From an antique shop the other weekend I picked up a lamp that I had never heard of that I am struggling to find information on - a King Seeley, which according to the stamp on the base is '1963 US Macomb Plant, Thermos Division, King-Seeley,Macomb, Illinois. I've no idea if this is a common lamp or a rare one. I need glass for it but no idea where to find it!
Hi There, Not sure what the stamping on the bottom is about, but this looks exactly like the Coleman 252A military contract lantern? If you look at the reference gallery under USA, it is listed under the military lanterns. But then I might be very wrong? Jaco
Yeah, jacov is more-or-less correct - this is a US Milspec lantern, made by several manufacturers to military specification (hence Milspec). It later came onto the civilian market as the Coleman 252 and 252A. They can be tricky beasts to get running properly, especially if you need a new vapouriser (or generator as they call 'em over there). I got mine from the Amish community which was the sole supplier at the time and this can pose problems in itself because the adults don't have anything to do with modern electrical contrivances like phones and computers so they leave it to the kids to deal with that side of things. Try Googling 'Leacock' and the woman's name was Lilian something, maybe it was 'Esh'. When it arrives (quite promptly as it happened) don't assume that because it's new, the jet will be clear and the lantern will light properly - don't ask me how I know this. Apparently, they run on just about any fuel but something like Coleman fuel or panel wipe is likely to be best. Also, they need very low pressure in the tank otherwise they overheat and the generator (being aluminium) promptly melts. They're probably not a beginners lantern - best of luck!
I don't think it will melt from using it. at least I have never heard of it. It will use a regular coleman 220 size globe. some had original 4 pane glass. the generators are available for these, but usually just need a prick of the tip.
Here's my example, including a link to when it was measured running at 5-6cp (with photograph!), using Neil's light meter tube thingie:- 1965 Coleman 252A Milspec Here's a source of generators should you need one - $14.60, not bad... Generator For 252 Military Lantern
I have the exact same Mil Spec. I think what makes them rare is the Thermos variety was only produced for one year.As David points out the mil specs were contracted to several companies over time. Mine was a new old stock one so worked right out of the box, . The generator/ vaporizer can be purchased new via ebay for $10 . The glass on the lantern is called quad glass, its 4 frames of heavy glass which is a highlight of the lantern to me. But as dwillie said Coleman 220 globes will fit. Quad glass can be found on ebay America usually and other parts of the lantern can also be sourced in America. If the lantern is in decent condition overall as Dwillie is saying you may be able to just prick the generator head/orifice and it may work.
