Nice video! I just restored an AFM 1967 milspec and run perfect,easy to light. Actually, i dont think you can over pressurise at the point of cracking the fount. I just follow the instruction on the lantern to light it. They say 15 to 25 pumps to light. That depend how much fuel there's in the tank, less fuel will need more pumps. I found when thw tank is very low on fuel, the lantern will light perfectly with 25 pumps. On a full tank 10 pumps work fine. I mostly run unleaded gasoline in it. The screw on your spare generator is normal, its the way they protect them for storage. I bought a NOS generator from old coleman parts and have the crew and cap on the tip to prevent any dirt coming in.
My 1952 252A Coleman MilSpec does include a lighting instructions decal. Mine was an unfired lantern purchased at an antique store. It came with six mantles, seven including the one on the burner, plus a spare pricker, wrench, two spare generators, spare leather pump cup and a couple other odds and ends. It also has a standard 220-style globe instead of the quadrant glass. It takes 10 pumps to start and 5 more to run for 9 hours. Also, you cannot crack the founts on these. Coleman tested their founts to a maximum burst pressure of 1k psi. 30 pumps only puts about 20-30psi.
I have a 1984 SMP lantern. I had to do some work on it to get it to work right. I had to get a new pump rod for it as it was cracked. I couldn’t pump air into the fount because of the cracks. I finally got it to work very well.
Im just now getting into the world of Coleman Lantern collecting, but from my prospective the SMP has some historical value to me personally because as a newcomer to this i was really surprised that another company besides Coleman was producing these for the armed forces. Plus the fact they were made by prisoners is pretty neat since that is also something not really seen anymore.
The SMP using convict labor to make lanterns is, according to my research, a myth. The factory was fairly small and they weren't around very long. State Machine Products made a hell of a lot of lanterns, stoves, and aluminum cases in the short time they were around. The quality of their offerings was lacking compared to Coleman, Armstrong, Rogers, AGM, and Alladin. While serviceable, their fit and finish left a lot to be desired. Lots of sharp edges and rough machining. They got the contract for a reason. They were cited by OSHA for safety violations a few times as well. Remember, this was the 1980s Reagan cold war military build up era. I used a lot of their stuff on active duty in the late 80s and early 90s. Some puzzling design choices were made with both the M1950 stove and these lanterns. The pump on the stove is a fire hazard from hell and the choice using a generator without an integrated cleaning needle had me shaking my head every time I used them. Haha! If they would have used the tried and true Coleman pump/check valve design on the stove, it would be one of the best stoves ever made. I digress as usual.
That screw in the new generator is the way mine came as new as well. Not sure if it was keeping things inside or keeping things from getting into it. Still have't got eh SMP lit yet, I must be missing something, but too cold to play with it at the moment.
Unless your in a pinch, use camp fuel/white gas. Kero will not burn. Some lanterns will burn gasoline, but it's dirty and can smell. Coleman camp fuel is what most people will reccomend.
I've never let one burn that long, however, I guess it depends on the efficiency of the generator. If everything is sealed well, like the cap gasket, and there are no leaks. All you would have to do is monitor it ever few hours and make sure it's not dimming. Then add a few pumps. Obviously, lanterns can be dangerous so they shouldn't be left unattended for long periods of time where they could light something on fire.
They were made to run 10 to 12 hours without additional pumps as per the instructions. That is why it is a Low Pressure lantern . If you over pump like a "civilian Coleman lantern " they leak. (From my own experience), I know!
Do you know more about the accessory tray for the Coleman lanterns? I found a patent for a "detachable storage compartment" which attached to the bottom of the lantern. www.oldtowncoleman.com/manuals/patents/19700217_US3496349.pdf
Yea I have one on one of my 220. Maybe I can make a quick video. Essentially it's a metal plate that uses a snap lock of sorts to secure to the bottom of the lantern. It has enough space for a generator some mantles and a pump cup. It also protects the bottom of the lantern. It can wear the paint slightly however.
I like your videos. I have about 20 lanterns and just got my first military today. A 1952 Coleman for 60$. Good video and you know what you’re doing.
Thanks!
Thanks for in-depth content. I’ve never seen one of these lanterns…… love the spare parts storage. Now I want one.
Nice video! I just restored an AFM 1967 milspec and run perfect,easy to light. Actually, i dont think you can over pressurise at the point of cracking the fount. I just follow the instruction on the lantern to light it. They say 15 to 25 pumps to light. That depend how much fuel there's in the tank, less fuel will need more pumps. I found when thw tank is very low on fuel, the lantern will light perfectly with 25 pumps. On a full tank 10 pumps work fine. I mostly run unleaded gasoline in it. The screw on your spare generator is normal, its the way they protect them for storage. I bought a NOS generator from old coleman parts and have the crew and cap on the tip to prevent any dirt coming in.
My 1952 252A Coleman MilSpec does include a lighting instructions decal. Mine was an unfired lantern purchased at an antique store. It came with six mantles, seven including the one on the burner, plus a spare pricker, wrench, two spare generators, spare leather pump cup and a couple other odds and ends. It also has a standard 220-style globe instead of the quadrant glass.
It takes 10 pumps to start and 5 more to run for 9 hours.
Also, you cannot crack the founts on these. Coleman tested their founts to a maximum burst pressure of 1k psi. 30 pumps only puts about 20-30psi.
I have a 1984 SMP lantern. I had to do some work on it to get it to work right. I had to get a new pump rod for it as it was cracked. I couldn’t pump air into the fount because of the cracks. I finally got it to work very well.
Im just now getting into the world of Coleman Lantern collecting, but from my prospective the SMP has some historical value to me personally because as a newcomer to this i was really surprised that another company besides Coleman was producing these for the armed forces. Plus the fact they were made by prisoners is pretty neat since that is also something not really seen anymore.
True, also AGM made military lanterns. Those are one to keep an eye out for as well.
Typical mitary, they want at LEAST two sources for everything...mo be better.
@@crookedlantern3810 Thermos as well.
The SMP using convict labor to make lanterns is, according to my research, a myth. The factory was fairly small and they weren't around very long. State Machine Products made a hell of a lot of lanterns, stoves, and aluminum cases in the short time they were around. The quality of their offerings was lacking compared to Coleman, Armstrong, Rogers, AGM, and Alladin. While serviceable, their fit and finish left a lot to be desired. Lots of sharp edges and rough machining. They got the contract for a reason. They were cited by OSHA for safety violations a few times as well. Remember, this was the 1980s Reagan cold war military build up era. I used a lot of their stuff on active duty in the late 80s and early 90s. Some puzzling design choices were made with both the M1950 stove and these lanterns. The pump on the stove is a fire hazard from hell and the choice using a generator without an integrated cleaning needle had me shaking my head every time I used them. Haha! If they would have used the tried and true Coleman pump/check valve design on the stove, it would be one of the best stoves ever made. I digress as usual.
Thank you! Just found one of these at a yard sale and this was so helpful.
Have yet to find one of these in a wide Good video thanks for sharing
Real easy to cross thread the cap on the parts well-nice lanterns-loud compared to the regular Colemans.
That screw in the new generator is the way mine came as new as well. Not sure if it was keeping things inside or keeping things from getting into it. Still have't got eh SMP lit yet, I must be missing something, but too cold to play with it at the moment.
What are the price value on a 1940s military Coleman's lantern that runs on gas
where did you get him
Always a top-notch video thank you for sharing
Thank you sir
Hello I don't see where you mention what model the Coleman is? Thanks, S
252
Maybe I missed it but, what fuel do they burn?
Unless your in a pinch, use camp fuel/white gas. Kero will not burn. Some lanterns will burn gasoline, but it's dirty and can smell. Coleman camp fuel is what most people will reccomend.
@@crookedlantern3810 thank you
Cheers, just wondering... when the lanterns burn what do they usually require to stay lit for over 12-13 hrs?
I've never let one burn that long, however, I guess it depends on the efficiency of the generator. If everything is sealed well, like the cap gasket, and there are no leaks. All you would have to do is monitor it ever few hours and make sure it's not dimming. Then add a few pumps. Obviously, lanterns can be dangerous so they shouldn't be left unattended for long periods of time where they could light something on fire.
@@crookedlantern3810 would be ouch if it exploded
@@DragonFireFi5 its very unlikely for these to explode, it would have to be a very specific set of circumstances for that to happen.
They were made to run 10 to 12 hours without additional pumps as per the instructions. That is why it is a Low Pressure lantern . If you over pump like a "civilian Coleman lantern " they leak. (From my own experience), I know!
what is the model of the Coleman?
It’s just called “Coleman SMP”
I’ve found it to be a 252. Maybe wrong though, I’m not sure.
I have a 1958 edition.
The Coleman are far superior! Easier to light as well. We got rid of the newer SMP lanterns, they were poor quality.
would the coleman lantern parts work with the smp lantern
Depends on which parts.
Do you know more about the accessory tray for the Coleman lanterns? I found a patent for a "detachable storage compartment" which attached to the bottom of the lantern.
www.oldtowncoleman.com/manuals/patents/19700217_US3496349.pdf
Yea I have one on one of my 220. Maybe I can make a quick video. Essentially it's a metal plate that uses a snap lock of sorts to secure to the bottom of the lantern. It has enough space for a generator some mantles and a pump cup. It also protects the bottom of the lantern. It can wear the paint slightly however.
@@crookedlantern3810 That would be awesome! I remember seeing them in the stores and I thought that it was a great idea. 👍