Found this 249 at auction in Europe at a very reasonable price compared to the cost of shipping one from the US. Globe was cracked which is a shame, so that was replaced with a new German white letter globe. As I always want to use my lanterns if the globe had been in tact it would have just ended up in storage anyway with the same globe on as it has now, so it doesn’t make much difference to me, I guess it’s the kids inheritance that will be the poorer but I can live with that! So a basic strip down and vinegar clean for most parts. The check valve worked fine so I left it alone and just replaced the main valve stem packing. I also left the cleaning wire alone as advised and that just needed a nip. The valve wheel was broken in half so I sourced a used wheel from Old Coleman Parts. I don’t think it’s necessarily the correct wheel but it does a job. It did need glueing on to secure it. I will keep an eye out for a complete stem but I don’t think it detracts from the lantern. The vent is in pretty good condition for it’s age. It has the typical vent nut chips and some wear around the nail slots. I have put a small stainless washer under the nut for now but have been looking at the proper washers that can be bought and may treat myself. The only real issue with this lantern was the plating on both the fount and the collar. The nickel is worn through in a few places on the fount and there are large sections of the collar that were completely back to the brass. I did think about stripping the collar back completely but in the end decided a gentle approach was preferable. So just a warm water wash and a Mother’s Mag polish. A few dinks here and there but all in all I’m really pleased with my bargain Coleman 249.
Nice work! Always cool to see them get cleaned up for the party. The vents get chipped around the top hole when people tighten down the ballnut. No room for expansion with the heat and it's the porcelain that gives way. Leave it loose and there won't be any further damaged. Mike.
Nice example of a lamp that has seen use, I for one would be pleased to have it in a collection. Good fettle !
Thanks guys, I do enjoy saving a working lamp and keeping it going. The more I’ve done, the more I appreciate the possible history of each lamp and the stories that would have been behind each dent and scrape. Time to add my own now!
