After 1770, lanterns became bigger, resulting from the use of metal lamps. They then had a (average) diameter of 12 ft (about 4 metres) and rested on a low, circular brick wall. The dome was made with repoussé copper panes, topped with a ball holding the chimneys. They were fitted with little mirrors mounted plumb on metal frames.

Lanterns were re-classified by Augustin Fresnel. Their sizes were established according to the rated range “ordre” of the light:

This method of classification is no longer in use today.

The small brick wall disappeared around 1850/1860, to be replaced by a metal base, initially in iron and bronze or riveted copper. After 1910, the manufacturing processes in the metallurgical industry allowed the big base cylinders to be made in one piece.

In the post-war reconstruction, lanterns were standardised by A. de Rouville the Director of Lighthouses at the time, who limited the number of models. Two large French manufacturers, Barbier Benard and Turenne and Sutter-Harlé or Sautter-Lemonier, made this equipment.