Scored a military lantern Today

[Mark72]

I found this at a yard sale today.

It is a 1944 agm mil spec lantern marked US and 1944 on the bottom of the fount.

It has a cool twin air tube single mantel burner.

and a wild looking generator.

Mark

[doug hodder]

Cool find Mark!!!! I think that some had an aluminum gen. not sure on the years for them though. Wonder if it is brighter than a typical one? Jeremy and I are going to stove/lantern hunt in the thrift stores in Redding while at the Dam gathering....I'm sure, some cast iron will catch our eyes also! Doug

[cherokeegeorge]

nice score Mark,

[Mark72]

I found out pretty quick why they say to start out with low pressure until it gets going! Scary Scary!!! to make things worse there was a small hole in the old mantel that let the impending blow torch bounce off of the frame base! That big wrap around generator holds so much fuel that even if you shut the vavle off the only thing you can do is hang on for the ride! I recommend gently preheating the aluminum generator to avoid this problem in the future. As far as how bright it is.. I think that was a #21 mantle on there which impeded the light output. The fuel seemed to be overpowering the mantle even with the hole in it. seemed like the burn was mostly on the outside of the mantle..Not good for optimum light output..

Mark

[Micro469]

I found out pretty quick why they say to start out with low pressure until it gets going! Scary Scary!!! to make things worse there was a small hole in the old mantel that let the impending blow torch bounce off of the frame base! That big wrap around generator holds so much fuel that even if you shut the vavle off the only thing you can do is hang on for the ride! I recommend gently preheating the aluminum generator to avoid this problem in the future. As far as how bright it is.. I think that was a #21 mantle on there which impeded the light output. The fuel seemed to be overpowering the mantle even with the hole in it. seemed like the burn was mostly on the outside of the mantle..Not good for optimum light output..

Mark

What size mantle should it take? And are they still available? I thought the #21 was a universal size.......

[Mark72]

I believe A #99 is used on most single mantel burners. Anyone else know for sure?

Mark

[hotrod]

I believe A #99 is used on most single mantel burners. Anyone else know for sure?

Mark

I believe your right but the #21 will work fine and they are easier to find without ordering special..

[Mark72]

dose the #99 not have a larger surface area to handle the higher volume of gas?

Mark

[doug hodder]

Yup on the #99.....and I got a military lantern at the Dam Gathering....1952...Jeremy gave me the gift, thanks Jeremy...I really appreciate the kindness!...really a nice one, needs a little TLC and it's a burner. I'll get a pic up soon. Doug

[rainjer]

The #21 is the correct mantel for all mil-spec, 200, 242, 220 & 228 lanterns. They are 300 candle power mantles. The #99 is a 350CP mantle the can be used as an option for the mil-spec, 242 & 200.

Jeremy

[doug hodder]

I talked with Robert from www.oldcolemanparts.com today and asked some specific questions on the military's as I needed a gennie. He mentioned that the 11 would also be a good choice as it's larger than a 21. He also suggested the 99. I'll put up some pics when I get this one done...really a nice gift from Jeremy, polished up the fount tonight. Thanks again....Doug

[doug hodder]

Just got the new generator for the Military 252 today. I'll get the frame and burner assy. blasted and hopefully assembled this weekend.

For those of you that don't know it, the military lanterns had a special compartment that was installed in the tank and you could put some extra parts and tools into them so that a rebuild could be done in the field. It is a single mantle lantern but basically on a 2 burner structure. The fuel filler cap and supplied funnel were attached to the collar so they wouldn't be lost in "battle". The lantern that Jeremy gave me has the "official" US globe on it. It's tank and vent is colored in a nice OD green! The original paint and decals on the tank and frame rest are wonderful! It's a 1952...

It'll be a whole 'nother world when I try to light it up, not exactly like an instant light lantern....but I'm looking forward to getting this baby running! Doug

[doug hodder]

Mark...thanks for the heads up on the pressure when first lighting. I got the lantern that Jeremy gave me together today. I blasted the frame and cheated...didn't do the cadmium plate on it, shot it with OD camo paint. I also dug out my old army shovel and did a paint job on it to match. Here is the lantern. Doug

[rainjer]

Looks good Doug, now you just need to get it lit.

Jeremy

[doug hodder]

Looking for some tips from Heikki! Doug