Coleman 242b, 1937?

Hi all,

What an amazing place this is, full of knowledge.
I’ve recently inherited a Coleman 242B which was my grandfather’s, it was hiding in my Mum’s garage. I’ve stripped it down and given it a quick clean as I’m keen to get it working.
A couple of questions, if I may.
Is it safe to use the cracked globe (where can I get a “new” one)?
The plating is coming off the fount, any suggestions?
What mantle is best to use (available in the UK)?

Many thanks
Simon

 

Hi Simon and welcome to the forum. I’m not a Coleman guy, so can’t help, plenty here who are I’m sure you’ll soon get some answers.
Great lamp!

Stevie

 

Thanks Stevie.

 

Hi Simon, a lovely lantern you have there, welcome to the forum.

I believe the 242 uses a Coleman 550 globe. They can be hard to get hold of in the UK. However a Optimus 930 globe will fit well. These can be purchased from Hytta in Germany (takes about 4 days to send to the UK). The link is here: Detailseite: Optimus- und Radiusgläser- - hytta.de The one listed as "ohne Optimus Log" is good. I have just fitted one to my Coleman 249 (takes the same size globe as the 242).

The 242 takes a Coleman #99 mantle which is a 250- 350CP mantle. Any straight type mantle rated 200 - 300CP should do the same job as the Coleman Originals. These can be purchased from ebay. I have found the Luxor brand (purchased from Germany) to work well.

Regards, Alex

 

Thanks so much Alex.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Cheers Jeff.

 

Welcome to CPL @Simon A .

It's cleaned up nicely and has a good family connection, congratulations

Yes it is safe to use the cracked globe until the crack goes all the way and the piece falls out. Even then it's not dangerous but leaves the mantle susceptible to the elements and kamikazi insects.

There is not much you can do about the nickel plating coming off, harsh buffing or polishing will make it worse . The founts can be re plated if you want the 'out of the box' look.

 

That's a nice looking lantern, you've cleaned it up well.

Glasses (with Coleman logo) are also available from www.base-camp.co.uk
They normally do 99 mantles as well but are out of stock at the moment. Original mantles were (the quivalent of) Coleman 21A but 99's fit and are a little longer and therefor brighter. More light from the same amount of fuel, can't be bad.

I notice that the generator is for kerosene but will probably work O.K.. See how it goes before ordering a new 'correct' one also available from base-camp.
200A-5891
Generator, Model 200 Instant light single mantle and old 232B, (old part number T66)

£18.95

Or fit a spirit cup 201-5101 and use kero.

 

Thanks Martin.

 

Thanks Henry.

 

Welcome and what a nice find. The 242B is one of the most desirable lanterns that Coleman ever made.
The nickel may be peeling off a little but I'd leave it as it is. Its original and does not look really that bad to demand a re-plate.
As for the mantles, any medium sized ones would do as suggested. #99, #999, #21a among others. I'd prefer the older Thorium types..

 

Thanks Myn.

 

@Simon A
You have a nice 242B dated 7 37 representing July 1937.
It has the earlier micro groove valve wheel/knob and the nickel plating is in reasonable shape. The green hood has separated but it’s still useable.
You can buy parts for this lantern, i.e. a replacement globe or any seals etc., from Old Coleman Parts just follow this link:
OldColemanParts.com
The nickel plating can be buffed up nicely with a product that I have found to be good called Mother’s Mag & Aluminun Polish:

It’s not advisable to use Brasso on the nickel or brass as it has ammonia in it that’s injurious to brass.
Enjoy your restoration and I’m looking forward to seeing your money shot (the picture of the lantern’s first light after restoration).
Cheers
Pete

 

Thanks Pete.

 

Yes, your generator is for kero, can be used for white gas too but you will need to preheat. For mantle get a peerless 2c-hg they are a tad bit bigger than a #21a or peerless 24A many persons are using them on 200’s and 242’s.
Get the proper generator if you want insta lighting as they were built.

 

Thanks for the info Pancholoco1911.

 

Thanks for all your advice. After a lot of pre heating it produced a flame for me. A couple of leaks at joints which need tightening then its mantle time! I’m quite excited as it’s my first pressure lantern.

 

@Simon A
That yellow/orange flame wouldn't light up the mantle correctly. It'll soot up instead. There is not enough air and its burning rich. Way too rich. Are you putting enough pressure?
The flame needs to be blue, near colourless to work.

 

Thanks MYN, the photo was taken once i had turned off the valve. While it was burning all I could see was the heat haze, which wouldn’t have shown up in a photo. It did take a while to get going though. Would this be a mixture of the kerosene generator and not leaving it long enough to clear air out of the top part? Any advice is appreciated.
Cheers
Simon

 

If its only a heat haze when it was burning as you mentioned, then the colour was probably blue. That should be ok.
You should proceed with a mantle.

 

Because the lantern has been completely empty of fuel, it is not unusual for it to take what seems an eternity for the fuel to come through.

If the lamp burned with a clean blue flame - indicating a good fuel air mixture - tie on a mantle according to the instructions on the packet.

Make sure there is plenty of fuel in the tank and give the pump 20 to 30 strokes.
Insert lighted match through lighting hole and open the valve one quarter turn.
When flame settles down, open valve fully.
Pump in more air.

Sit back and enjoy the light.

 

Thanks Henry,
I’ll post when I get the mantle.
Cheers
Simon

 

Couldn’t wait for the peerless mantles so got some generic Coleman ones. Actually very pleased with the result. It pulses but maintains brightness. Thinking about getting a new non kerosene generator.
Once again thanks for everyone advise.

 

That is a result, well done. You must be very pleased.

 

Thanks Alex. It did take a while to get lit!
Where do you get your lanterns from, in the UK?
I fear I may have the bug!

 

A good result, Simon

 

Thanks, martin.

 

@Simon A I would love to trade your Kerosene generator for a gas one but shipping would kill the deal

 

Looking good @Simon A