E. Bacon & Co., Grimsby – Ship's Onion (Globe) Lantern

Made by the company founded by Edwin Bacon (1852–1943).

Date: c.1900–1940 (provisional)

A substantial brass ship's lantern bearing the oval maker's badge of E. Bacon & Co., Grimsby. Of traditional onion or globe design, it features a large spherical glass globe protected by a surrounding metal framework, a ventilated upper housing, lower burner compartment and curved carrying handle. The hand-soldered joints and carefully assembled brasswork reflect traditional metalworking craftsmanship.

E. Bacon & Co. was established in Grimsby in 1899 by Edwin Bacon (1852–1943), affectionately known as 'The Guvnor'. Born in Brightlingsea, Essex, Bacon ran away from home as a youngster and went to sea, initially as a cabin boy aboard the Grimsby-to-Hamburg steamer. He subsequently became a fisherman working for Henry Smethurst before establishing his own fishing interests and building a successful business empire. His company provided essential engineering and support services to Grimsby's fishing industry.

Bacon was also remembered for his extraordinary generosity during the Second World War. He contributed towards the purchase of both of Grimsby's Spitfires and, on 5 September 1940, aged 89, personally handed a cheque for £5,000 to Mayor Alderman John Sutton towards the second aircraft. He had already contributed to the fund for the first. On the same day, the Grimsby Evening Telegraph reported that he had also lent the Government £45,000 interest-free.

This lantern is an interesting surviving example of maritime equipment bearing the name of a Grimsby manufacturer, connecting the town's fishing and engineering heritage with the remarkable story of one of its best-known industrialists and benefactors.