Greetings, I was able to get this 249 lantern the other day. The seller stated it was for parts due to it not working. OK, I thought I would take a chance on this one mostly because I've wanted a 249 for some time now. Most of these 249 lanterns I come across cost an arm and both legs and your first born. When I recieved it I dismantled the lantern for a thorough inspection. It was in much better shape then I expected it would be that's for sure. What I found was the generator/vaporizer nut was loose and the leather pump cup was dry so I soaked it in some oil. The filler cap needed a new gasket. The NRV was a bit dodgy at first but started working fine after use. I filled the fount with an Amish Mix and gave her a test and what can I say she fired up without any problems whatsoever. The hood does have quite a few chips but still looks pretty good. The glass that came with it is in very good shape. The collar is in excellent shape. The fount is also in very good shape. Here are the money shots and man this little lantern is very bright. Cheers, Norman
Hi @Norman Well found and fettled. She looks to be in great shape. What is it’s manufacture date? The 249 is a reliable and good performer. I have only run straight kerosene in mine and they run very well. I have heard of “Amish mix”, what exactly is it? Cheers Pete
Thanks guys and gal. @AussiePete, an Amish mix is just a mix of kerosene/paraffin and Coleman fuel. I use to go back into Amish country at least twice a month and I had the fortune of being befriended by an Amish family. As you know the Amish don't use modern conveniences such as electricity so for light and heat they use pressure lanterns for light and also heat but they do have wood stoves for heat as well. You should see the hand made chandelier they make. Works of art that's for sure. I was told by this family that they use a 75/25 mix of kerosene and Coleman fuel. There are many different mixes but an 80/20 and the 75/25 are the most common. The reason why they use this mix is, or at least according to them, it keeps the carbon from building up inside the generator/vaporizer and since they use their lanterns every single day for light they know what they are talking about. They also do general maintenance on their lanterns on a regular basis. If the joker I got my 249 from had just bothered to do the maintenance he would have found this lantern to be very easy to maintain. I also think the seller tried using Denatured Alcohol to fire this lantern due to the Denatured Alcohol I found inside the vaporizer, but I suppose I may be wrong because the alcohol may have been used to wash out the fuel tank from any residual kerosene. Pete, you asked about the manufacture date and it's January 1955. I also have a 247 I'm in the midst of fettling, but it does indeed have a few problems that need to be taken care of that's for sure and for certain. The parts I need for this are on their way so hopefully this one will be a very good runner as well. Thanks again all for your very kind comments. @ColinG your parts will be on the way to you shortly. Cheers, Norman
@Norman Thanks for the information regarding the Amish fuel. I agree, being constant users they would know what they're talking about. Enjoy the fettle of your 247 and of course, post the pictures. Have a good week end. Cheers Pete
I have a 249 (1949), but I would stick with kerosene. That's what this lantern was designed for. She sure looks like she's in very nice shape!
