I found this one at a garage sale quite dusty and non functional. I cleaned it up a bit and attempted to light it. It wouldn't stay lit so I pulled the fuel air tube and cleaned all of the parts and put it back together. Bingo! Back in service! These Mil Specs really are louder than the other lanterns I have. I love the spare parts container and the thick glass panels!
This is the old Coleman 252 under another name. Different companies would bid to see who would win the contract and winning bidder got to supply the lantern to the US military. This is a loud lantern because of the burner. These things were suppose to burn any kind of gasoline, leaded or unleaded; however, the military specs would emphasize unleaded. I have a Coleman 252 from 1944, a 252A from 1952 Korean War era, and one made by Armstrong Products from 1977. All are a bitch to light and sound as loud as a freight train when lit. Still all said they are a good lantern - if you can put up with the noise.
I really didn't know that there was a strategy for lighting these Mil Specs. Low pressure wasn't on my mind when I lit it. I thought the mantle was flawed when I noticed several small holes in the mantle while it was burning. I have since checked out several tutorials about lighting these and will carefully try burning a new mantle to see if I can't keep it intact. I think removing the vent and a glass quadrant to light is the best idea. Maybe a pre heat of the generator before lighting might keep the flames down. Certainly, I must be careful not to melt the aluminum generator!
I found with mine the best way was simply to follow the directions written on the lantern, it lit right up. Lighting without the vent on means the gen won't get hot enough and defeats lighting it. Usually owners report that the gen tip needs to be cleaned before attempting to light because the lanterns have sat for ages without use. I enjoyed the noise of the lantern, at first, then it got irritating . I bought one these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silent-Nozzle-SET-for-Coleman-Military-Lantern-250-CP-/321718048182?hash=item4ae7e3d5b6:g:~doAAOSwBahVMII5
