This is my Coleman PQ, restored with all the parts it came with (excepting the filler cap seal and the Coleman shades). The lamp was found in Australia. Each control wheel is marked "Close ---> A" One cast burner with "F"; the other with "H". "Patent May 13, 1919" The tank is not stamped. As it came. The Fettle: The inside of the tank was cleaned with citric acid solution and the steel bottom of the tank was treated with "Evaporust". The R55 generators were cleaned and given a soak in acetone. The lead washer on the filler cap was replaced with Viton. The shade holders were first de-rusted by electrolysis, then treated in "Evaporust". The control wheels were cleaned then treated with car wax. The nickel was in reasonable condition, with some staining a small amount of nickel loss. The nickel was polished with Autosol. The fuel pick up When I first went to light the lamp I got very good 'hissing' through each of the generators... but no fuel. I took the hanger and arms off the tank and discovered that there was not a fuel pick-up tube on the lamp. So I silbrazed a 8mm diameter tube to the fitting nut. I cut the tube to the correct length and fitted brass gauze to the lower end, and drilled 4 1mm holes in the bottom of the tube to aid fuel flow. Getting it going (this time with fuel pickup): This really is a beauty. Cheers Tony
Beautiful! Congrats! I like the old Colemans a lot (but only have 3) as they are so simple and reliable. The R55 generators are later I believe? They are pretty handy! What mantles do you use? I bought a box of Coleman mantles (N°21 I believe, they were old stock and cheap...) but find about 1/3 to 1/4 develope little holes from the first burn. Looks like you still have a 'couple' projects waiting Wim
@Wim I used Coleman No. 21 “Instaclip” mantles for testing (I have a box that I got for not much money); and for proper use (as in the photos), I used Peerless 2C-HG mantles. I used the R55s because they were with the lamp, and I wanted to get it going as it was found. There are a few very interesting projects in the shed... Cheers Tony
WOW - stunning lamp and beautiful restoration. Are the shades repro or original? Either way they are also very nice! Cheers Peter
@peterthevet The shades are either Coleman originals or Coleman copies made in Australia many years ago from a Coleman mould. I am awaiting confirmation from someone who is an expert on these matters, but Covid-19 has intervened. Tony Edit: Note that the two shades are not identical. I have three shades of this pattern and they are all slightly different from each other.
Based on the very thin/delicate bottom rim they are most likely original. Regardless they suit the lamp perfectly.
Here is again à beautiful restoration This lamp is very beautiful. Always a lots of pictures with details. Congratulations Thank for sharing ! Regards, Titoo.
Excellent restoration and an excellent read of the process. She’s a real lamp of beauty. Enjoy Cheers Pete @Tony Press
