Hi all, I’ve just acquired a nice old 242B and had a few questions... Firstly, the year is marked as 38, Made in Canada. However on the left hand side, instead of a number is has an ‘A’. I couldn’t see an example of this on the forum (that doesn’t mean there isn’t one). Were months once marked with letters instead of numbers?? Second, the glass is a different shape to what I’d normally see. Assuming it’s just a replacement (glass it came with pictured left) Third, the generator is pretty bent and when turning the cleaning leaver the needle point doesn’t protrude. I have taken the generator off and confirmed the needle point exists! Should it protrude when cleaning? Fourth and final question... I’ve never fired a non-kero lamp. Having just experienced how easily a lamp can leak (my 201 - easy fix), and also worried that a quick slip when pumping might pour highly flammable vapour in to the air.... just how safe are these damn things??! Keen to get it working before I clean it up because I think it should clean up quite nicely. Cheers
These Coleman lamps were made with a very good check valve, and an internal arrangement in the tank so that fuel would not spurt out on a pump “failure”. As long as the lantern is well maintained it is safe to use. Just remember gasoline (petrol) should be handled with care. The needle should protrude. You can straighten the generator (vapouriser) by gently rolling it on a flat board using another board as the top roller. Does the globe have any markings? Tony
Are you looking for the needle or trying to feel it? The jet has a recess at the top, so the needle wont protrude above the top edge of the jet. Maybe the glass is an early Austramax one. The shape seems to be similar.
I’ve given the globe a clean and inspected it closely - no markings to be found. It doesn’t strike me as being of poor quality, it’s pretty thick and definitely worn on the edges through age (in my opinion). I’ve been trying to feel it @Nils Stephenson so perhaps it’s doing the right job and I’m just trying to check it the wrong way.
The 242 is one of the best-made Coleman lanterns ever. It'll most probably work regardless of how it looks initially...after some fettling of course.
@Buckaroo Check inside the fount for rust and pinholes in the bottom. The rust can be treated. This post might help. 1938 Coleman 242B (Canada) or this one on its kerosene cousin 1951 COLEMAN 249 SCOUT Fettle
@Buckaroo Provided that the base has no holes, these Colemans are great lanterns to fettle. Parts are still fairly readily available and there is a wealth of knowledge available. It’s an early issue, and as such a good one to have. Enjoy the fettle and I’m looking forward to the money shot. Cheers Pete
Update on the generator @Nils Stephenson @Tony Press There’s no recess on the tip of my generator - I’ve now been able to compare it to a later model. Actually looks like it’s been overtightened in a past life and the thread is twisted. Replaced with a later model tip and got it working. I’m now down one generator ‘tip’ (jet?) so have posted a wanted ad. Pic below shows comparison.
On some of the generators, the pricker needle barely protrudes, and your thumbnail might feel it. On others, it is pretty obvious. Your original tip may well still be functional. The Colex globe you show is sweet! I've seen Colex globes in the #4 size, but never a #550 size. There are a bunch of collectors who would like to own that one...me included! The 242 series fount is pretty rugged and built with thick steel and brass. Unless somebody has been pretty mean to it, it should be a great runner. Mike.
