Hi everyone, My grandfather passed away this summer and while cleaning his house I found this Coleman 237 which he used when he lived in Africa in the 1950's. I was immediately intrigued by it and came upon this forum. I got it to work but I would like to see it being used like he did. Which mantles should I buy and what is the best fuel? I've attached some pictures. Thanks! Andreas
Welcome aboard! That is a fine lantern and I use Anchor 500 cp., mantles on my example, that is because they are more bulbous than the Coleman mantles and form closer to the vapouriser/generator and therefor keep it hotter and that ensures that the paraffin/kerosene vapourises properly so that the light is white. 237, 237A, 237B
Andreas Welcome. This is a good, bright, robust lantern. There are photos of it apart here: Coleman 237 (England, October 1954) I’ve just picked up its non-identical twin, a 1955 Coleman 236. Cheers Tony @Andreas Vermeulen
That's a lovely lantern. As for mantles I agree with @JEFF JOHNSON though purists might not agree. Genuine Coleman mantles are still widely available on eBay and many from other places but you'll need advice from someone else about which ones are 'correct' for a 237.
It’s nice and touching to see you want to preserve your grandfather’s old lamp as he used it in Africa. It will be a lovely memory of him every time you light it! Fantastic. Well done!
That's a great lantern. They're easy to maintain and most parts are easily found. That's a 500 candlepower lantern so the Coleman 1111 mantle would be the correct one to use. Peerless also makes a 500 cp mantle (in a blue package) but I can't remember the Peerless model number. I prefer Peerless over newer Coleman mantles because they're more durable. It can use gasoline or paraffin/kerosene or a mix of both. I've used both in my 237. Regardless what fuel you use the generator will need to be preheated in order to burn properly and to avoid a sooty flameup when you turn it on.
Andreas I just checked my non-identical twin 236 and it’s the same date as your 237, 5/55 (May 1955). Have fun with yours! Tony
Great kerosene lantern! Since it belonged to your grandfather, this is what memories are made from! Light it and enjoy it!
Welcome to the forum, @Andreas Vermeulen The 237 is among some of Coleman's best lanterns ever produced. This might be a little tricky. Since he used it in Africa in the 50s, you'd have to imagine what had been available there at that time. You did not mention which part of Africa. I'd presume kerosene mostly, because that would be way cheaper than gasoline and more available in Africa back then. Occasionally, he might use gasoline, which used to be straight-run gasoline or 'white gas' back then. That'll be different from the modern gasoline we're using nowadays. As for the mantles, as what other members have quoted. The Coleman no.1111 mantles would have been abundant back then. I don't think these are now. But the Anchor as Jeff stated would be good. Anything that's rated 500-600cp on the pack might suit. Peerless mantles would be '111'. I mostly use any of the Butterfly mantles rated 300-400, 500, 500-600cp that are radioactive(Thoriated). All the mantles back when he was using it would have been the Thoriated types.(eg., Coleman no.1111). They produce somewhat whiter glows compared to most non-Thorium ones.
Thanks everyone! He used it in the Belgian Congo during the 50's. The fuel that's still in there is white so I presume it kerosene. My mother can't remember him using it after they came back to Belgium so I presume the fuel that's currently in there will be around 60 years old. The idea is to use it and keep it going.
@Andreas Vermeulen Welcome from Queensland Australia. I would suggest that you replace the old fuel for new after flushing out the fount (tank). You may want to replace the filler cap seal as well, they get hard with age and leak air. These simple tasks will help to keep her running efficiently. Cheers Pete
Did you actually used the 60-year old fuel and it lighted up just fine? It'll be better if you use fresh fuel. Plain kerosene or Coleman Camp fuel if you have it. The latter would keep the generator cleaner. I use unleaded gasoline since I couldn't get Coleman fuel or naphtha around here. It'll eventually clog the generator.
Yes, but just lit it for a few minutes. I drained the old fuel and going to replace it with Coleman fuel.
Andreas, @Andreas Vermeulen de meeste Coleman lampen werken op Coleman fuel (of, vééél goedkoper, wasbenzine!) maar deze werkt best (en veiligst) op petroleum. Het is hetzelfde type dat in Zibro-en aanverwante Kamins gebruikt wordt. Ikzelf koop het aan de pomp per 20liter. Groetjes, Wim
It was designed for kero but it'll still run with gasoline as well. It'll still need the preheat though. However, with present-day petrol(additives-laden), chances are, the generator would foul-up pretty fast.