The steerage compartments where most migrants spent their time at sea had limited space and dim lighting. This lantern was produced by Price’s Patent Candle Company in July 1854. The lantern is an octagonal shape with a pierced lid and hinged top and base; there is a cone-shaped section inside. A hinged clasp on the lid is fitted with a slot for a padlock which prevented the passengers from handling naked lights and thereby improved safety and shipboard conditions for migrants.