Hi all, I'd appreciate some help in dating a Coleman CQ that arrived at mia casa today (bought it in France). I've looked through the Reference Gallery, but am a bit confused (maybe this lamp was assembled from different donors?). I hope to get this old Lady running again, and will post photo's. Short description; the bottom reads Coleman CQ Quick-Lite-Reg.US.PAT.OFF.Made in U.S.A.- Coleman Lamp Co Wichita Kansas. Seems like some founts had a hex nut in the middle? This one has no such. On the handle we find Coleman Quick Lite, Witchita Kansas U.S.A. and a number; 1074249. The burner has "PATENTED MAY 13-1919. The generator is a straight one, is that correct? The fount has to be pressurised with a separate pump (which I don't have). Does the pump have a non-return valve in it, or is it "straight tru"? Thanks for your help, tips&tricks to restore & use this lamp are also very welcome! Best regards, Wim
Wim, Are their any numbers stamped on the bottom of the fount? I can tell you for sure that the pump is a straight-through device since the NRV is integrated into the pressurizing cap. A straight generator is "younger" that the looped Q99. Not to say that it wasn't the original, but it's younger. Looking forward to seeing photos! Al
Hi Al, that's quick! No, there are no numbers on the fount, only text. The little I know about these makes me think it is an early one. Possibly the straight generator was a later replacement? Best regards, Wim (I'll post photo's as soon as I get her running )
I've replace fouled a Q99 with an R55 to get a lamp going, so it's possible it was fettled in the past. Can you get a pump locally?
Hi Al, other than outdoor lanterns and stoves starting from the late 1930's Coleman products were not sold over here (as far as I know), and for some reason indoor lighting was provided for by wickies, citygas or electrickerty. So, no pumps to be found locally! (nor table lamps, wall lamps or hanging ones . Only way to get these is buying internationally...) I have been thinking of maybe adapting an ordinary bicycle pump (or would that be considered sacrilege? ). Best regards, Wim
Hi Mike, it is brass with a layer of clear lacquer. Over all in reasonably good condition, some scratches in the lacquer (I don't really mind, it is old and has seen some 'action' in its life ). Only problem will be finding the "glassworks" I guess... Best regards, Wim
Coleman were sold in France from about 1920 onwards. We know this because several lanterns have turned up there dating from 1918/1919 ish. Also I have a 1930 part catalogue showing several Quick-Lite products from Markt & Co. Paris. We really need to see a picture of this lamp because by 1930 there were two different tanks being used with a variety of burner types and some have the "wong" base plate telling you that your Instant-Lite Coleman is a Quick-Lite and vice versa. By that time they are all dated so if your lamp has a stamped base plate then there will be date numbers. These are often faint and can be hard to find but they are there. Restoration is simple with these. There are virtually no moving parts so all they need is a clean and maybe some attention to the generator. There is only one seal that might need a fettle in the valve spindle but often all that needs is a slight tweak to tighten the gland. The filler cap seal is lead and will work if you just pull it down tight with a wrench. The pump is simple enough. There are nearly always some available in the US on the Bay and they only make around $10 to $15 a pop. ::Neil::
Hi Neil, thanks for this info, I'll try to make some photo's tomorrow and have a (very) close look at the fount's bottom. It still puzzles me why Coleman products from this time are not to be found in Belgium, after all, France & us are neighbours. I do know the Belgian army used 237A's and 3-burner cabin stoves in their bunkers in the late 1930's but that seems to be it. Other than these, I've never heard of pre war Coleman goods in our little kingdom. Best regards, Wim
You have choices on what to use for globes and shades. The 355 globe is getting pricier lately ($40 on Ebay +S&H). There is also an adapter to let you use a modern Coleman globe http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coleman-lantern-Leacock-Lamp-Globe-holder-set-NEW-/380399853342?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5891991f1e This is a Buy-it-now sale and not an auction. There have been mica globes out there, but I don't know of any on the market right now. The globes are really only necessary if you are going to use a paper/cloth shade. Otherwise, just get a reproduction glass shade and enjoy! The nib on the tip of the pump is shaped to make a gas tight connection to the fitting on the fount. You could drill and tap the fitting to accept a bicycle valve fitting...
Ah you don't need to drill and tap. If you dismantle a Primus pump check valve you will find the end thread of the body fits the Coleman filler cap needle valve thread. You just weld a Shrader valve to the Primus part and you have an adaptor for a cycle pump. Been working for me for maybe 20 years. ::Neil::
Thanks Neil! I regret that I don't have access to part that you do over there. That sounds like a delightfully easy solution
Sure you do. Plenty of them in Europe and I dare say like most folks I have a few lurking in the parts boxes. Anyway this is what it looks like. ::Neil::
As promised, a few photo's. I would like to add, the 'vertical toppart' of the burner has an "F" on it, doesn't mean a thing to me, might tell you something!!! Best regards, Wim
Interesting picture. I don't think this is your average ordinary CQ. They are always polished nickel plated. Wih that fancy finish it is probably a CQF which is described as "Flemish Brass" finish. There is another, model CQG, which is described as "Antique Gold" finish. Problem here is we actually don't know which is which but I do know they are pretty rare beasts so don't clean that tank any more than you have to. ::Neil::
Being Flemish my vote goes to "Flemish Brass" Neil! No cleaning will take place other than with a soft, damp cloth 8) David, this beauty came to me via the "La Douce France Ebay" services. Postage was about as much as bidding price (total sum being under €50 ). Best regards, Wim
Nice one Wim! Hope you get it in working condition. They're indeed very rare in Belgium. And so the collection grows and grows and...
