Open the valve one-quarter turn and wait for the mantle(s) to ignite. 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. Contact our team to talk to a factory expert to help you choose the right model based on your needs. If it has a strong really sharp smell, that is varnish from old gasoline that has gone stale.
This will clear dirt and insect nests out of the tubes. 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.
Coleman made this mil-spec lantern that is date stamped 1952 on the bottom. At some point after that the Civil Defense waterslide decal was added to this unfired lantern. This lantern coleman sleeping bag and another one with the 1952 date and a CD decal came from a seller in Michigan. There was no other Civil Defense material with the lanterns or the mil-spec boxes they came in.
The clamp (right) allows attachment to a boat or other object; the accessory was presumably marketed to fishermen. This lantern and accessory came in a well-made box that is in Mike Wells’ collection. In 1900, William Coffin Coleman was selling high pressure gasoline fueled lamps. These lamps, notably ‘The Efficient’ Pendant Arc lamp No. 6, were manufactured by Irby & Gilliland in Memphis, Tennessee. We have made every effort to ensure accuracy in the information provided.
The two attachments are mounted in the bottom of the case in front of the lantern for transport. Note the alcohol preheating can for the kerosene fueled 237 lantern in the images. This lantern is in a Coleman coleman canopy collection near Sugarcreek, Ohio. Coleman 237 lanterns with an American Optical film strip and slide projector (left) and a Society for Visual Education Inc. slide and film strip projector (right).
Any leak is unacceptable and must be located before you light it. This Coleman 200A lantern has been modified with an elaborate globe cage and 3 cylindrical globes, the innermost being a Fresnel lens. 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.
Specifications, equipment, technical data, photographs and illustrations are based on information available at time of posting and are subject to change without notice. To receive or verify current product information, please contact the dealership. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to the sale of this vehicle. Decision to sell an RV regardless of price is solely determined by the selling dealer. The LAMPAK Company, North Hollywood, California, made these galvanized steel cases circa the early 1950s.
Click here for an owner’s manual on your lantern if you don’t have one. Remove the ventilator and globe, then spray the lantern with a household cleaner like Simple Green®. Remove as much dirt and dust as you can and remove the old mantle(s).