Wow. You don't see one of these every day. The mica globe(s) look a challenge to make, being conical. How hot does the valve at the top get? Part of the ventilator looks copper which is interesting. Well done on the restoration.
This is the upper rim of the mica The narrow strip is on the inside at the lower rim and the tabs bent inwards. The valve wheel can get quite warm but I can't recall ever having to use a cloth to protect my hand when turning off the lantern. I don't know how comfortable it would be to carry the lantern any great distance or hold it for any length of time, the short handle doesn't give much knuckle room.
Thanks guys. A trick of the light combined with discoloured high temp clear lacquer, the ventilator is all brass.
A great looking odd lantern! I have this lantern in the Albert Lea Brite Lite Model #69 format. In Brite Lite format the lantern is presented in Japaned or flash copper finish. I have found the tank is accually a painted on finish rather than copper plated. Mine should have the glass globe labled MacBeth Pearl Glass, My hunt for that globe continues.... It is difficult to grasp just how big these lanterns are. They are huge! I also have Brite Lite Model #99 and it is dwarfed by it.
My example is as it came to me so I've no idea what the original finish would have been. Likewise with the mica, it may be original or it could be home-made by a skillful owner. Your Brite Lite 99 looks to be in very good condition. An excellent addition to your collection.
I suspect your mica is original or at least close copy of original. When looking up into the globe reciver area on mine, the same clipped metal detail exsists where the globe seats. The valve assembly is a substantial cast iron affair. My unrestored has remnants of green paint on it. The Albert Lea models of the 69 I've seen all had the same conical form mica as yours. All the model 69's Ive seen were brass or copper finish. They are a very rare & Giant lantern. I prefer these oddball looking lanterns to the standard fare....
