Question about a Coleman 242C lantern.

[Texas teardrop]

I picked up a 242c Coleman lantern today at a swap meet and the top is green but the bottom is red....The Coleman Lantern Identification and Dating Lantern ID page doesn't show it being 2 different colors.. although it show one as having a chrome bottom. The lantern has VERY little wear. Can anyone help me identify this? Thanks

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Does the burner frame have two legs or just one?
200's have one and 242's have two.
A picture would be good...

[doug hodder]

Are you looking on the frame rest (shiny stainless collar) and picking up the 242C numbers? Check the bottom of the tank and see what numbers are stamped into it. Coleman in 1950 began the 200 series and they were painted tanks. The Christmas lantern was made in 51 and had a red top and a green bottom. It wasn't a 242C however. There should be some dates on the tank bottom...but I'm thinking it's put together from a couple of different lanterns.

I could be completely wrong on this maybe Rainjer will have some ideas. Nothing wrong with it if it works...and you can always change the color on the tank or check to see if it's a brass one and you could strip and polish it if you don't like the 2 tone combo. Doug

[Texas teardrop]

Yes, on the frame collar it has 242C and the numbers on the bottom are
9 59.. From what I can tell, it's not brass. On the collar it has the patent number of 1973184.. and .. 2008882.. (if that helps any) Thanks!!
It's a single mantle by the way..

[rainjer]

Please post some pictures & we can help you ID it.

Jeremy

[doug hodder]

If you have 9 59 on the bottom it's not a 242C...It's a 242C collar, but the rest is probably a 200A or at least the tank is. Doug

[Texas teardrop]

I'll take some picture tomorrow morning with some good light and get them posted.. I certainly appreciate all the help!!

[Micro469]

Yes I remember that lantern... It was made specially for the wife of the CEO of Coleman...She wanted a christmas lantern, but wanted a red bottom and a green top. One of a kind...extremely rare.......

[Texas teardrop]

Well, I guess if it a 200A that's okay because I just want to use it with my Teardrop when I'm camping.. I think I'd like to paint the bottom green to match the top.. Any idea of where and the color to get to match the top?
Thanks!!

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

If you have 9 59 on the bottom it's not a 242C...It's a 242C collar, but the rest is probably a 200A. Doug

Yup...Dean

[rainjer]

Look at the size of the fuel filler hole. A 242 is about 3/8" ID. A 200 tank is about 1/2" ID. The 200 & 242 use the same valve assembly so it would be easy to swap the collar, frame & vent.

Jeremy

[doug hodder]

Any idea of where and the color to get to match the top?
Thanks!!

I've had good luck with just about any of the hunter greens. I got some called "Decorators touch" from Home Depot and it worked fine. The tanks typically weren't a dead on match to the ventilators. Just depends on how much of a purist you want to be. I 2 toned one up with a cream color base to match my trailer. Doug

[Texas teardrop]

The fuel filler hole is just over 1/2"

[rainjer]

I use Krylon Hunter Green.

Jeremy

[rainjer]

The fuel filler hole is just over 1/2"

You have a Frankenlantern...A mix between a 242 & 200A.

Jeremy