I bought an odd 2 mantle gas lamp lantern at a garage sale yesterday. Initially I thought it was an old big top double mantle Coleman lantern. Since it used a mica globe, I figured it was very old. I spent a long time trying to find any Coleman model numbers or names anywhere on it. I found no identifying marks anywhere. I tried to find a similar one scanning google photos. The similar ones all had Coleman names or numbers somewhere on the hardware. The top looked like a Coleman Big Top. It may have replaced the original. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me exactly what I have purchased, I have included many photos of it.
Wow, those were fast replies! I scrapped off the dirt on the valve and it said "Montgomery Ward Chicago". I guess that solves that question. Now who made it and how old is it? I will try and clean it up and maybe sell it. Any suggestions on polishing out the chrome defects easily. I don't plan to get it working, just looking nice. If it was a valuable Coleman, I would recondition it.
Hullo and welcome! As Paul said have a look in the Lamp reference gallery under Akron diamond.. the diamond shaped vent holes are a good hint ? looks in good condition cheers
Thanks for everyone's help. I just confirmed that it is an Akron model 132 from the mid 30's. Time to clean it up.
Careful with the flash nickel plating on the fount. It'll wipe off with any sort of scrubbing. Also pressurize and check for cracks... My luck with Akron is nearly a 50/50 shot of having cracks.
Adding to Toby's warnings, be gentle with the generator. They are unique to Akron lanterns and are unavailable. The pricker rod is a rack and pinion set up controlled by the small knob on the left of your first picture. The generator tube screws into the valve. If you even speak harshly to the lantern the plating will fall off. But I've ever been able to do is clean with soap and water then apply a clear coat. Don't even think about polishing it.
If the lantern is marked as Montgomery Ward then it is most likely to be Wards model 7280 which is in their 1934 catalogue as 586C7280. As others have above said it is a Diamond Model 132G so the manufacturer is the Akron Lamp & Manufacturing Co. Akron OH. ::Neil::
