Make sure that the valve wheel is turned fully clockwise to the closed position. Rotate the pump handle counterclockwise one full turn, place your thumb over the hole in the end and give it a few pumps. If there is no resistance when pressing down on the pump, you will need to repair it before continuing.
L427s built after this date all have the built-in pump. You can adjust the light output with the tip cleaner stem or the valve, depending on the model. Click here for an owner’s manual on your lantern if you don’t have one. Light a match or lighter and hold it below the mantle(s).
An outer infrared filter keeps visible light from shining out the sides. This lantern was made for the military to help direct planes to airfields in or near enemy territory. These lanterns, dated June ’59, are in Mike Rainey’s (left) & Dean DeGroff’s (right) collections. Morgan, Corpus Christi, Texas and includes Sheldon Coleman’s name engraved in script.
The Coleman Quick-Lite 327 was sold from 1920 to 1924 from the Wichita (USA) plant with no date stamp. This lantern, in Ron Lenfield’s collection, includes the box and accessories. Although this lantern has a later style baffle plate, the usual coleman lantern baffle plate in this version is as in the lower image. Fill the fount at least half-full of fresh gasoline or camp fuel. Tighten the filler cap and give the lantern 20 pump stokes. Allow it to sit for a few minutes while you watch for leaks.
This case, in Bill Whitten’s collection, is 6 1/8″ square x 13 1/8″ tall without the gas can and holds a Coleman 200A. The funnel and spout fit in the upper corners of the case. This Model 220D, in Deems Burton’s collection, is almost like new and is dated B ’48, which we think means it was made in July-Dec of that year.
The direction disk on this Coleman 237 is stamped Made in United States of America but hidden by the collar the word CANADA is stamped (upper right image, above the red letter A). As on other nickel plated brass founts made by the Coleman – Toronto factory, the month and year numbers are in small numerals in the lower corners of the side fount stamp (lower image). So far we have only seen the CANADA stamping under the collar on Coleman – Wichita made 237s from the first half of 1954. Coleman only manufactured Model 228C after WWII, from late 1945 until early 1947, with some production overlap with Model 228D (below). Model 228C has the same features as Model 220C above including a green painted brass fount, screw-on pump cap, and yellow lighting instruction decal.
Shipping records show several hundred were sent from July – December, 1924 (Becker). They were the first Coleman model to have a pump as part of the lantern. These lanterns are in Shirley Willard’s (left)& Dean DeGroff’s (right) collections. Coleman made hundreds of Arc lantern Model H 416 from 1922 – 1925 (Strong – Shipping Records). This lantern was restored by Steve Retherford for Mike Coon, whose collection this is in. Coleman made the Model 200A for 32 years beginning in 1951.
The black handled Coleman reflector, 220D790, fits 220C-F models. Note the two pegs in the bottom bracket of the reflector to engage the corresponding holes in the globe cage bottom for attachment. This Coleman 237 is date stamped November, 1960. The instruction sheet identifies it as a US made “Marine lantern” perhaps in an attempt to develop a new market for the model. The preheater cup contains an asbestos-like material (lower image), perhaps to keep the alcohol from splashing out of the cup on a boat on water. This lantern, in Andy Maschino’s collection, is stamped Made in Canada on the side of the fount but in all other features is the same as those made for the US market.
Contact our team to talk to a factory expert to help you choose the right model based on your needs. Install a new mantle or mantles on your lantern. Hold a match or lighter to the bottom and allow it (them) to burn completely. These instructions were written to help you safely light and operate an old lantern that you have not lit before, or has been in storage for a very long time. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both writing and images, without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
You can find a local hazardous waste recycling facility by doing an internet search. If you have no previous knowledge of the lantern you are working with, or if you do not know how long it has been sitting, please perform each step. This will help you confirm that your lantern is safe to use, and that it functions as in should. If you need to make any repairs, I will provide links to other sections of this website.