This lantern has a steel hood. Other than the word Handi on the control wheel and globe there are no other inscriptions to be found. I had to remove the rust from the collar, bottom of the font and frame plate, then sprayed with anti-rust paint. Otherwise in excellent working condition. Having looked at other images of Handi lanterns it appears I have probably put the needle control on the wrong side, should be pointing away from the control wheel.
Any trace of any sort of plating on the hood. I havn't seen anything else except enamelled steel hoods. The shape of the hood is the old version. You are right about the pricker control lever.
The hood has no traces of ever having been enameled, most unusual. Have to say I am not impressed with the design of the needle control handle. Very flimsy with a brass shaft and just relying on a screw clamp, not sturdy in my books compared with a Coleman.
I'm just thinking what has been used for rust protection on the hood. I wouldn't have thought they would sell something that would rust the first time it was used. I agree about the pricker lever. I find it difficult to get the level set just right and it's too easy to bump.
Well I had to remove minor rust from the hood and if I had a buffing wheel would go so far as to polish it off. So have sprayed CRC on it while not in use to stop the rust. It is the first time I have ever come across a bare steel hood on a lantern.