In 1858, the Bute Dock Police was formed, to patrol the busy docks. Lamps like this one were given to officers to assist them when patrolling the docks at night. At this time the docks were poorly lit and many of the roads and quays were in complete darkness. If an officer wanted to go unnoticed, the shutter could dim the flame without it going out.
Physical description
Black metal lamp with a fluted top and round glass window.
