Vintage Brass Ship Running Light Set – Red & Green Navigation Lights

This vintage brass ship running light set once helped vessels signal their direction while traveling at sea. On ships, navigation rules required red and green lights so other crews could quickly understand a vessel’s position and course at night. The red light marked the port side, while the green light marked the starboard side. Because of this system, captains could determine how another vessel was moving and avoid collisions.

Each fixture in this set is a double-stacked light, meaning two lantern sections are built into each housing. This design allowed ships to produce stronger light and improve visibility in difficult conditions. Each section contains its own socket, giving each fixture two bulbs.

The lights have solid brass bodies with large Fresnel glass lenses. The ribbed lens pattern spreads light outward while protecting the bulbs inside. Removable colored inserts sit behind the clear lenses. One fixture uses red inserts, and the other uses green. The brass shows natural patina along with scratches and small dents from years of service. The lenses also show weathering from marine exposure. These signs of wear highlight the lights’ working history and give the set a strong vintage maritime appearance.

Today, this vintage brass ship running light set works well in coastal homes, lake houses, restaurants, or nautical-themed spaces. Many collectors also display pieces like this as maritime décor that reflects the equipment once used aboard working ships.

Features

• Vintage brass ship running light set
• Clear Fresnel glass lenses
• Removable red and green inserts
• Solid brass construction
• Dual socket design in each light

Wiring

Each light has been rewired with new UL-listed components. The fixtures are dual socket and use weatherproof wiring for durability. The wiring supports voltages up to 250 volts.

To access the sockets, open the side doors of the lanterns.