The signal lanterns mentioned in the famous Midnight Ride of Paul Revere would have had glass panes and punched metal tops. The glass allowed the light to be seen from a long distance. Later on, lanterns made entirely of punched tin came to be known as Revere lanterns.  These lanterns were actually used primarily to carry candles outdoors and keep them lit, such as when one walked from a house to a barn. Now you can make your own tin punch lantern with this craft kit!