A vintage Navy shuttered Signal Light I recently purchased for $100. No identification of model or age. The identification would probably been on the light housing. The shutter mechanism only, without light.

It is about 15 inches in diameter. Compared to pictures online of other signal lights, I would estimate this to be WWII or prior. According to information found online, the shuttered signal light was developed by the British in the late 1800's. A Navy veteran I spoke to, who sent messages with this type of light, said about 10 to 12 words per minute was possible. He said he visualized letters, as opposed to recognizing dots and dashes. Later signal lights had removable shutters, where it could be used as a searchlight. I haven't found any definitive information online on shuttered signal lights .

Above: Repainted, mounted to a fixture, with lamp added behind it.

A webpage on WWI communication:

https://www.usmcmuseum.com/uploads/6/0/3/6/60364049/nmmc_wwi_military_communication_resource_packet.pdf