This was one of the first lanterns I acquired, not knowing at the time just how few times I would see another complete example. Knorpp was a candy company in Brooklyn. The firm patented the “Four-In-One-Lantern” design in 1916, so this is an early commercially manufactured item. Like almost every example I’ve seen, this one is missing its bottom. This is more important than usual because the bottom attaches at one side to the lantern’s interior. (With most other lantern designs the bottom is a separate piece.) That and the overall condition of the lantern mitigates against this bringing strong dollars, although the current bid of $248.50 with over four days to go is already strong.
Knorpp really got into this lantern design. Not only is the exceedingly rare envelope a visual treat, but they adapted each side into a tiara. Please turn to page 128 to see for yourself.
06/17 Update: This lantern brought a strong $387 despite its missing bottom.
