It finally arrived today and was carefully packed – with the mica globe in a separate box. 1919 is the first year that the patent stamp was on the back of the air tube and it’s there. 1920 or 1921 was when the word Coleman was put into the frame rest and it’s not there, however, Earlier versions say Air O Lantern or Model QL on frame rest and it’s there. So I believe that it’s a 1919.
Here’s a before pict (finally thought to take a picture before!)
After initial disassembly and soaking, - I began the task of cleaning and scrubbing the fount – the fount is pitted, but in decent shape. After decaling and rinsing the fount , I assembled it for the all important pressure test. I used my air compressor to pressurize the tank and took it to the sink where a full tub of water was waiting. I immersed it in the water – held my breath – NO bubbles – Thank goodness now I can continue. I set the fount aside so I could work on the generator and air/ mantle tubes.
Got the ole blaster out and cleaned off the curd and got the tubes back to a shine. Soaked the generator in Carb cleaner to make sure it was doin’ fine – both cleaned up well. I cracked the valve on the fount and heard the hiss of air coming out – it held pressure just dandy. – time to put it all together.
I didn’t want to do anything to the mica globe – I has a light dusting of rust – but I can live with that – it way too iffy to mess with.
So here it is – The after:
I’m putting it here beside my two milspecs. This is now my oldest Coleman lantern!
