Latest Fettle Candidate-Handi Kero Pet

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by Jason Storey, Jun 12, 2026 at 10:40 AM.

  1. Jason Storey Australia

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    Good evening, long time lamp fan first time posting. I’ve mainly had Coleman (lamps/fuel stoves) and Austramax to date but have been watching the Handi for awhile. Even better that it’s made in my hometown of Brisbane. A couple of questions if I may. For cleaning and polishing purposes, is the fount on these nickel plated? Any tricks with the disassemble process? Seller believes it’s 1940’s, any ageing advice appreciated too. Of interest was a very old stock “silk” mantle which looks beautifully made. I assume parts available are limited so I’ll enjoy the challenges that may bring. Thanks
     

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  2. Andrew T

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    Welcome.
    It looks like a nice project.
    We don't get any Australian models here.
     
  3. Darryl Durdin

    Darryl Durdin Australia Subscriber

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    @Jason Storey .cool lantern, it’s a type 3. There are a few variations of the type 3.
    The tank/font is probably brass with nickel plated. They do come in copper but abit rare. Your date may be late 40’s to 50’s..
    check out some of the threads in the lantern gallery you will find some interesting reading about your lantern. The mantle is cool too., when fettling your lantern take care. The Pricker is important. Not everything needs to be shiny as. The natural patina is often enough. Just clean it up , hot soapy water mild scour nothing to harsh. The frame you can soak in evaporrust. Or vinegar diluted. It clears up the rust. The burner check the air tubes for blockage. The generator has a spiral restrictor.if it’s hard to remove don’t force it. Heat and quench a few times be persistent. Remove the jet first. The Pricker leaver will need to be reset but it’s not hard to do. Spare parts are basically nonexistent. I’ve learnt self taught to make the Pricker. You can follow my threads and the others as well. They are great lanterns easy to light up, very bright, 300 CP. pre heat with metho. They like a good clean from the fuel pickup to the jet. Air tubes as well.
    If you need any help please ask.
    The sun in a jar.
     
  4. Jason Storey Australia

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    Thanks Darryl, great info thank you. I’ve been looking at your pricker advice too. Attempting to make one for a Austramax this weekend. I’ll keep this a simple clean up and focus on the function. I intend to use it regularly.
     
  5. Loe Netherlands

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    Nice find, I usually check the leather pump cup first, if harden soak it in wd40 or something, often the rubber seals on pump valve and fuel cap are hardened,
    Remove the hood and feel if you can feel the prikker going up and down, I just try to get it going, and move on from there, what's not broken, no need to replace or take apart
     
  6. JEFF JOHNSON

    JEFF JOHNSON United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Welcome aboard and happy fettling!:thumbup:
     

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