My collection seems to be breeding... including this 242B. "Made in Australia By arrangement with Coleman Lamp & Stove Co Ltd Proprietor of Registered Trademark No 67296 Jan 14 1936" Needs a clean up & new glass & seals but otherwise in good nick. Anyone able to give me an estimate of date of manufacture?
The date is stamped on the fount. I can see 51 clearly but I can't tell with my poor old eyes if it is a 6 or an 8 for the month. If 6 your lamp is June, 1951 if 8 it is August, 1951.
Thank you, I must be blind or whatever as I overlooked the obvious! Definitely 51 stamped in but I cannot see another number to represent the month.
The month is way over on the other side of the logo, just above the "C" in Coleman. Looks like an eight. Loads of 242Bs in Canada, but that entire "Made in Australia" side would make it mighty desirable in any collection here. Mine included! Great lantern! Restored pics please! Mike.
Yes, definitely an 8, thank you for spotting it! Will try to buy a seal kit for it tomorrow and possibly a new globe. ( Glass) then get it running before I clean it properly. Condition is pretty good, have asked a question on the fettling forum re best way to clean it. No intention of selling it but any estimates of value?
Keep an eye on ebay and see what they sell for. What it sells for is what it is worth at that time. Some people will think the price it sold for is too cheap, others too dear. Like anything, a lantern is worth what people are prepared to pay for it at any given time.
@Graham-Melbourne They are a good little lantern and well worth fettling. Strip it down and give it a hot diluted vinegar or citric acid bath. Check regularly and don't leave it in too long. Have a look at these previous posts. 1938 Coleman 242B (Canada) 1951 COLEMAN 249 SCOUT Fettle
Follow the advice given but you may also have to repack the valve spindle if it leaks fuel. To change the washer in the filler cap I use a very very small flat head screwdriver (2mm I think), to break the brittle washer that is in there; small chunks at a time. I think there are videos on You Tube too that might be useful too and show other ways of removing it. Good luck with it.
One other way is as follows: 1) Screw filler cap onto lantern firmly. 2) Undo screw in centre of cap. 3) Remove cap and insert, place the cap to one side and the insert on something uninflammable. 4) Use a blow torch to burn out the old seal. 5) When cool, clean the insert with fine wirewool, insert new seal and reassemble. Job done.
Beauty lantern. Like Mike I'm in Canada too and I would love to have an Australian 242 in my collection. I have lots of Canadian versions but no Australian one.