Sovereign Order of Malta. Naval Signals-2.

[Anatol]

ANCIENT SIGNALS from THE ORDER'S FLEET.
Ancient marine lighthouses, originally wood-burning fires on dangerous shores, evolved into metal braziers raised by pulleys to guide ships—the precursors of modern lighthouses. The 1977 SMOM postage stamp set "Ancient Marine Signals: Lamps" illustrates the evolution of these early light signaling systems.
Here are some key details about ancient lighthouses and lampposts:
Early Fires: Initially, lighthouses consisted of stacks of wood, tended by keepers who controlled their illumination at night.
Braziers and Pulleys: As they evolved, wooden or iron structures were built that raised metal braziers to mark the route.
Cultural Significance: These lighthouses were mentioned by ancient poets such as Homer, Ovid, and Virgil, attesting to their historical importance.
Technical Evolution: The transition from fires to braziers improved visibility and fuel management. Postage Stamps: The 1977 SMOM postage stamps represent iconographic depictions of these early forms of street lighting.
These systems were essential for navigation, reducing the risk to ships operating near the coast.
Ancient Maritime Signals: Lamps -
The phrase "Ancient Maritime Signals: Lamps" often refers to a well-known series of postage stamps issued by SMOM (Sovereign Military Order of Malta) in 1977.
Historically, "lamps" or nautical lanterns were an evolution of open-flame braziers. Here are the main types and their operating principles:
Position Lights: Systematically introduced in the late 19th century, they used traditional colors (red for port/starboard, green for starboard) to indicate direction and prevent collisions.
Alarm Lamps (Aldis): Pulsed light devices that allowed optical communication using Morse code thanks to a system of manual shutters. Fuel lanterns: Before electrification (early 20th century), marine street lamps were powered by oil, candles, kerosene, or gas (the Arganda system), using glass lenses to enhance the light output.
Ardua system: a set of colored electric lamps (white and red) mounted on the masts of ships in the late 19th century to transmit coded messages over a distance.
Sovereign Order of Malta (SVMO) 2000; (4scudi x 8).
Sources: 1. https://www.orderofmalta.int/stamps/emi ... ordine-2a/.
2.https://www.google.com/search?q=Antiche ... A+lampioni.

[Anatol]

Unfortunately, an error appeared at the end of the article:
The line "Sovereign Order of Malta (SVMO) 2000; (4 scudi x 8)" is incorrect.
It should be: Sovereign Order of Malta (SVMO) 1977; (25 grains; 75 grains; 3 tari; 1 scudo).