The model 242C single mantle Coleman lantern was manufactured in November of 1945. The bottom of this one is stamped with a 5 and an 11. Prior to 1947 the left number represents the final digit of the year, and the right hand number representing the month. The 242C was manufactures from 1942 until 1950, so we know this lantern was made in 1945, the 11th month.
W.C. Coleman had poor eyesight and was attracted to the steady white light of the “new” gasoline powered lanterns of the time. As the story goes, the young salesman was taking a stroll after a hard day’s work selling typewriters, and spotted a new type of lamplight in a drugstore window in Brockton, Alabama. This new light burned with a strong, steady white flame and was fueled by gasoline. The standard lamp of the era burned kerosene and produced a smoky, flickering, yellowish light. This new, steady white light enabled him to read even the smallest print in books and on medicine bottles, and he saw great potential in this new technology and founded a company that would eventually make his name a household word to any American family who spent time outdoors.
Some of the model 242C’s were finished in nickel plated metal rather than the green paint on this one. I don’t know how many of each were produced, but it would be interesting to find out. There are two patents listed on the lantern; 1973184 & 2008882. Both by Boyd W. Tullis in the mid 1930’s, one for the "Removable Tip Cleaning Needle and Generator" on this piece and one for the "Lamp" of the model 242’s.
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