Came across this well loved 200 at a garage sale for 5 dollars and couldn't leave without it. The owner had purchased it new and used it heavily through the years, he had a large property and drove heavy truck his entire career so it was used for maintenance, power interruptions and back woods camping. Now in his 80's it has been hanging at the back of his massive garage for 20 plus years and it actually wasn't for sale when I arrived. So should I restore it or should I just get it working and keep the patina?
Clean it carefully; it’s not bad enough to need a restore and the decals won’t look right if it’s shiny.
@Thomas I’m with the other guys above. There are some lanterns that have a rich and varied history or providence. I believe yours is one. So clean it carefully preserving its character and decals, stop any corrosion, and keep it, respect it like you would a favourite elder of your lamp family. When you light it, sit with it, experience it, preferably with a beverage or 2 and think of your good times you’ve experienced. Priceless Enjoy Pete
Interesting dutch connection there. I would clean it, keep the decals, and remove and prevent rust. Then use it.
I'd leave the finish as it is as much as possible. Some gentle cleaning just enough to remove loose rust and grime. Flush out all internals as much as possible so that the fuel would not be contaminated and the basic workings could again be realized. Probably furnish it with a valve knob and other missing parts if there's anything else. Of course, the seals too, if necessary. That is meant to be a working lamp.
