I didn’t think I’d ever own one of these without remortgaging the house! A 1926 Canadian Coleman 427 Quicklite found here in the UK, thanks again Tony if you are on here. This is now the oldest lantern I own, which surprised me as I expected it to be younger than my 327 which is dated 1928. Think this is my chance for a go at nickel plating as the collar and frame are both rough and the hood will definitely have to go and see @Tilleyz13. The mica chimney didn’t come with the lantern but was the original from my 327 which I replaced with a Fred Kuntz. I already have the mica to restore the chimney so I will reunite the original chimney with the 327 and the new chimney can go on here seeing as it’s lost the original one along the way. It’s going to be a long way back for her before she’s back to her best and burning again but it will be a great project!
Needs to be the last for a while, I’m running out of time and space! Well, time anyway, now lockdown is easing. Can always find room for one more!
It looks very doable Tony, everything seems loose so far, nothing too seized. Got a Mewa and a Phoebus currently on the bench but already itching to get started on this!
@Scott D She's a beauty, these old troopers were built uncomplicated and to last, yours is no exception. Enjoy your fettle. Pete
A lovely old lantern and would be full of stories if it could talk. Judging by the wear on the pump must have come from a non electric place and would have been lit every night of the year.
It has certainly seen some use in it’s 95 years! I was thinking of soldering a washer inside the pump guide cap and then building up level again with solder from the outer and then smoothing flat and re-drilling if necessary. Any better ideas most welcome!
That's a nice find and with a little TLC will look and run fine. However I have the thought that a 1926 Canadian L427 should have a nickel plated brass vent hood. As far as I know the enamelled types that shape were introduced in 1927 on US made lanterns and about mid 1928 Canadian made lanterns introduced an enamelled vent with a brim that extends over the top ring of the globe cage and the bail tabs are fitted downwards to allow for the slightly wider hood. There are certainly known examples of 1927 and early 1928 Canadian L427s with the nickel plated hood. That enamel hood looks like a US made 1927 type. ::Neil::
Thanks Neil, I’m happy to take your steer on that. The vent caused some debate on the Coleman forum, with both types being considered right by some. There was some talk about the domestic and export market implications. My knowledge of the history of these lanterns isn’t up to weighing in, so I’ll just clean her up and enjoy the glow. Am I right though in thinking that the filler cap is a modern addition and that it should have a winged cap?
Looks a great project, look forward to hearing from you Scott, if you finish it like your other works it will look amazing
Thanks @Tilleyz13, I will send you some better images directly. The vent looks structurally sound and should come up well with your help again! I have committed (probably) to getting the Mewa and Phoebus off the bench before I start on this. I have too many tubs of parts lying around at the moment. Getting there though!
Yes that is a modern type one piece filler cap. From the period it might have had a three piece cap but from what I have seen on 1927 and earlier 427s it was more likely a winged filler cap. ::Neil::
@Scott D Here is my L427, dated March 1929, it has the winged type cap. This example has the internal pump. Here is a reference to my fettle of the above mentioned L427. It may be helpful. Coleman L427 - Fettle Cheers Pete
Had a shocking day at work but came home to a delivery from Ohio. Fred has put me in a much better mood! Will hopefully be able to get my 427 back together soon!
