Hi , Picked up this Austramax last sunday ,while out for a motorcycle ride. Cleaned it up ,oiled the pump leather and lit it monday night. Nickel is a bit on the freckly side and a few chips on the vent ,but it runs great. Just happened to have an original globe in the shed to replace the broken colex one. This is my first Austramax and i am very impressed easy to work on and light. Most of my others are coleman ,1 ashflash and a tilley . Cheers Mike
From what I can see, this looks like the first version of the 3/300. That would put it at the start of the 50s. This version is mostly seen with a red or pale blue top, sometimes green or black. I'm not sure of the ratio between the colours, but from what I have seen myself I would say the red is the most common (relatively) followed by the blue. Considering the age, this version isn't that common, but you do see them around.
If you look in the Reference Gallery you should get a good idea. You have the 3/300 stamp; old style pricker control; etc. You should get somewhere close. Maybe @Nils Stephenson has a view. Cheers Tony EDIT: crossed with @Nils Stephenson
Thanks guys very interesting .I only had the globe because it was on a 50s 242b coleman i brought. I don't think it was used much as the fount was very clean as was the generator and the air tube next to it. Cheers Mike
It's a nice little lantern @patrolmike , Congratulations. If that globe has a red Logo (it looks like it has) be careful with it. They are getting hard to find.
A very nice early Austramax and quite a find, I would be very happy with it. Austramax's are my favourite camping lantern, small sized, excellent light and durable. Rather than using the rare globe Primus medium size globes can be bought from BCF. I have fitted all my Austramax's with these. The Primus globes will fit the Coleman 249 Scout as well (the Austramax is a WW2 era copy of the 249).
Thanks everyone .Walkop will check out the primus globes as i only have one spare coleman bulge globe left.
@patrolmike You have a very nice worker there. These lanterns are quite simple in design and operate very well with very little fuss. Enjoy Cheers Pete
