Hi All Today, I competed the fettle of a Coleman CQ/C lamp. Preamble The CQ/C lamps were manufactured in Wichita Kansas US between 1917 and 1933. They were also manufactured in Toronto Canada between 1921 and 1933. The Toronto plant opened in 1921. The model is designated as “CQ” using a nickel plated brass style “C” fount, hence the model designation “CQ/C”. (Reference #01) The Lamp This particular example has no date stamp however both the fibre handle and the fount’s base is embossed with the Toronto Canada address. The empirical evidence suggests it is an early example made approximately late 1924 to early 1926. The Fettle The lamp was bought from a seller in the USA, for a similar amount of the postage to Australia. It was found to be in reasonably good order with all the parts present. The only breakages were 2 fingers on the lamp’s globe holder. The lamp was stripped down to it various components. The burner was dissembled down to its pieces and cleaned in diluted warm citric acid for approximately 30 minutes. In turn, each part was brushed with a brass brush and then subjected to final cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner. The air intake tube has both the US and the British patents embossed. The addition of the British patent stamping was done from about autumn 1924. (Reference #02) The control valve’s wheel is the multi toothed fibre type wheel. The control valve wheels were changed to the 12 ridged wheels marked “Close” and arrow approximately 1926. (Reference #03) Further the air intake tube was bent. By using a snug fitting drill bit as a mandrill the bend and any dents were removed using the judicious tapping from a wooden mallet. This lamp has been fitted with the “Universal” shade holder. During transit from America, 2 of the shade holder’s fingers had been broken off. Two rivets were lathed from large iron nails and the detached fingers were resecured by using and peening the rivets to fix the fingers back onto the shade holder. The black fibre handle was removed and the components cleaned. The fibre handle is secured by a nut. In autumn 1928 the CQ/Cs’s nut had been changed to a threaded sleeve and the nut omitted. (Reference #03) The fibre handle is embossed with the following: MADE IN CANADA COLEMAN QUICK-LITE ———-C.Q.———- COLEMAN LAMP CO TORONTO CANADA The fount was first cleaned with oven cleaner then polished with Mother’s Mag Cleaner. The base of the fount is embossed as shown: The various parts were collated ready for reassembly. After giving the original generator a thorough de-coke by the heat / quench method, I was able to reuse it. The finished lamp fitter with a reproduction Coleman glass globe. I used Peerless 2C-HG mantles. The fount was fueled with Shellite fuel. The “Money Shot”. Summary The CQ/C lamp detailed here was one of my easier fettles. It was very easy to light and produces a pleasing amount of light. The Coleman CQ/C now resides, in the kitchen, between an Akron 103G and a Veritas Superb. With all that assembled candle power, I just had to add 2 more candle power ..... Thank you for looking. Cheers Pete (Reference #01) “Guide to Vintage Coleman Products 1900 - 1983”. By International Coleman Collectors Club, Inc. Page 27 and page 32. (Reference #02) “Guide to Vintage Coleman Products 1900 - 1983”. By International Coleman Collectors Club, Inc. Page 28. (Reference #03) “Guide to Vintage Coleman Products 1900 - 1983”. By International Coleman Collectors Club, Inc. Page 29.
Pete, You did a wonderful job of bringing this CQ/C table lamp back to life. She looks great and runs fantastic. You also have a very nice lineup of lanterns/lamp. Cheers, Norman
A fine fettle indeed, and excellent write up. I happen to have a very similar CQ recently acquired, in need of a little refurbishment. Immensely helpful tips here. Thanks
I have a 05/1926 CQ I need a generator for it, can anyone tell me what model numbers the generator should be. It has a straight non slanted generator. I saw it noted that this type is to run on kerosene, although it smelled like gasoline in there (probably abuse) I rinsed it out the font with lacquer thinner, then acetone. the generator is missing the very top nut that has the orifice, I may be able to use one from a newer generator, but I would prefer a whole new generator, maybe a rolo type. I am also thinking of putting in a gasoline style vintage generator, but the whole other issue is the air tube. Are they all the same whether it is gasoline or kerosine? What is the total difference between those that are built for either fuel?
You can buy the R55 generator from Old Coleman Parts. I believe that the R55 generator was factory fitted on these lamps. Here is the link: https://www.oldcolemanparts.com/parts/Generators/Lantern-Generators/Generator-R55-C14.html As to running kerosene, I believe that the air tube may have to be restricted slightly and a preheater cup would have to be installed. Cheers Pete
@AussiePete This raises a question I’ve been pondering… When did the R-55 generator come into production? I’ve seen various discussions about when it was fitted as standard to certain lamps and lanterns (eg Coleman 427) but I’ve not nailed an accurate date for its start. Cheers Tony @Toby Garner @coleman54 @Mackburner
Tony, I’m not sure when the R55 appeared on the scene, however I believe it was quite early. Perhaps the serious Coleman collectors could enlighten us. Cheers Pete @Tony Press
Hi @Tony Press , the Coleman R55 started showing up in 1929. Some early packaging states a “1923 design”, no patent was applied for until January 1932 and was granted in 1934.
The first design coincidentally is similar to AGM, the second design that was patented is not, the third design has an enlarged barrel for more room for carbon build up and fuel capacity. If you look up the patent listed on the box that states the generator is of a 1923 design you will find it is a mantle patent that has nothing to do with this product 1929 advert .
Thank you, Larry. That confirms my previous suspicion that the R-55 was introduced around the late 1920s or early 1930s. Cheers Tony
Nice one Pete ! I just a very similar found one close by with original bug catcher and 318 shade @coleman54 Good info also lines up with shipping records and issues with L220/228 first generation which used the T88 gen etc etc
Going very well mate, working hard on the farm, it supposed to be keeping me young they say but all I feel is tired Cheers @Akeepsake
@AussiePete I’m good mate Still collecting and trying to focus on scarcer of brand GPA Still in Reno mode but should be done this year sometime Stay in touch !
Another detailed and extremely helpful fettle. This will be invaluable as I get my CQ up and running.
