Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

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Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby KCStudly » Wed Sep 09, 2015 10:11 pm

Don’t be a hater. Propane can be cool if done with the proper vintage flair. I’m happy to add this one to my small collection of camping appliances.

My picker/Unimog buddy, Larry, picked up a Bernz-O-matic TX900 propane lantern for me at a yard sale. It looks to be in functioning condition and should light up once I tie on a mantle and find/modify a bottle to fit the bottle sleeve (seems that there have been some changes to the std 1 lb bottle over the years).

He gave $4 and I owe him a lunch.

It has the UL label.
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The handle/bail has an interesting two notch bend to it that I assume is to allow it to be hooked on either knock, so that it will hang level depending on how much fuel is left in the (missing) tank.
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This is just an assumption on my part, but it makes sense based on the angle of the bottle sleeve.

It has what I assume is the original Pyrex globe, etched “PORTO Bernz-O-mactic LIGHT” on one side, and “PYREX MADE IN U.S.A.” on the other.
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Unfortunately, the globe is damaged with a big piece missing out of it.
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It looks like a 200A globe would fit it, if I can’t find a genuine replacement for a reasonable price.

The valve is free to turn and the knurled compression nut that connects the valve assembly to the burner tube broke free with just slight holding force on the small wrench flats. The jet looked clear from what I could see; a pin hole of light passing thru in the dimming twilight of the loft.

Between the jet and the compression fitting is a high altitude throttling valve with roll stamped arrows and lettering that reads, “AT HIGH ALTITUDE ONLY OPEN THIS VALVE WIDE”.
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Looks like an August 1955 (8 55) date code to me.
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Roll stamped on the lower portion of the bottle sleeve is,
OTTO BERNZ CO. INC.
ROCHESTER N.Y.
Bernz-O-matic (in bow tie shaped tapered font)
ALWAYS RELIABLE
SINCE 1876

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Condition is barn fresh with a coating of dust, some light surface rust and the typical patina one might expect from something that is 60 years old, but was made to last.
KC
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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby Alan_H » Wed Sep 09, 2015 10:48 pm

I won't be a hater... but I will be jealous!!! :R
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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby Wolffarmer » Thu Sep 10, 2015 12:29 am

One of the few profane lanterns I would like to find in the wild.

Good score. Get propane bottles in the welding supplies of Ace or other hardware stores. But you probably already know that.
"these guys must be afraid of the dark"
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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby KCStudly » Thu Sep 10, 2015 6:19 am

Apparently, from some other forums that I read on line, the modern bottles don't always fit. Some people talk about filing the mid body weld off of the bottle (!?!?!?); and/or removing the flat foot base from Ace hardware branded bottles. When I get around to it, I'll update what I find.

I love the look of the thing whether it runs or not, but I think it will run (someday) when I get a chance to tinker with it.
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My Build: The Poet Creek Express Hybrid Foamie

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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby felixx » Thu Sep 10, 2015 6:22 am

It is really cool
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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby dales133 » Fri Sep 11, 2015 10:04 pm

Thats a cool lantern for sure
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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby Atomic77 » Mon Sep 14, 2015 2:04 pm

Alan_H wrote:I won't be a hater... but I will be jealous!!! :R


Same here!
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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby jandmz » Mon Nov 23, 2015 11:27 pm

I was looking for more info on this, and found a video from a guy who has the lantern and the matching one and two burner stoves!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX5x0li1ez0
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Re: Don't Be A Hater - Bernz-O-matic TX900 Lantern

Postby KCStudly » Tue Nov 24, 2015 9:52 am

Nice! Thanks for sharing that. :thumbsup:
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My Build: The Poet Creek Express Hybrid Foamie

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