Solid Brass Green Ship Oil Lamp Key Chain 4"

In 1838 the United States passed an act that required signal lights to be placed on river steamboats as collisions were rising at an alarming rate. Faithfully reproduced on these brass key rings, these starboard side lanterns shine a historic green.  In 1849 the United States extended the requirements of signal lights to all sailing vessels, and 40 years later the first International Maritime Conference was held to draft regulations to prevent collisions. These signal lights included white lights shining from the stern to bow, as well as red lights on the left, or port side, and green lights, such as the ones on these brass key rings, on the right or starboard side. Derived from the old English word Steorbord, starboard refers to the side of the ship from which it was steered. As the majority of sailors were right handed the steering oars were placed on the right side, or “steering board,” side of the ship. With this in mind these brass key rings have either red or green lights for port or starboard, or can be combined for a fully equipped brass split key ring. With international safety rules adopted in 1897, these bright lights have helped provide safe passage for untold ships and sailors, and with the green lamp on your brass key ring your keys will always find a way to safe port.