Coach lantern Q's??

[Cindy Bunn]

I'm looking at one on Ebay right now, and I can't remember for sure what designates an older model from a newer one?? Any help would be appreciated!

[Jonas Clark-Elliott]

The less common models have a circular cap on the sloped part of the base pedestal, which is supposed to look like a fill cap, so you can add imaginary kerosene to your lantern I suppose. It's a nifty detail. The early lamps, possibly Crestworth imports, are gleaming polished orangey-copper finish. Later models (possibly attempts to copy the Crestworth style) had a satin brushed red-orange copper finish or, on a few, a brassy copper brushed finish, but still have the fill cap. These all can be distinguished as well by looking at the posts where the metal bail rods connect to the cap before leading up into the handle: on all of these, the handle and two side rods are three separate pieces, with a screw threaded into each connection from the ends into the cap. The bail rods screw into the base, and if the threads are in good shape it can be carried by the handle (though I don't recommend this) or the handle can be folded down.

Models made from the late 70s until approximately 1990 had a paler brassy copper finish and no fill cap. The bail and handle is one piece of bent metal rod, which fits into slots in two posts attached to the sides of the cap. Two thumbscrews thread into the ends to lock it in place. These are still very nice, though far more common. The bail ends clip into the base on these, so never try to carry them by the handle.

Here's a photo of all four, left to right:
--Crestworth style, polished copper, folding three-piece handle, fill cap. Very uncommon, very classy-looking.
--Early US model, satin red-copper, folding three-piece handle, fill cap. Rare.
--Early US model, pale brass, folding three-piece handle, fill cap on right. (most have it on the left) Rare.
--Later US model, pale copper-brass, one-piece handle, no fill cap. Fairly common.

If you want to email me a link to the auction at [e-mail], I'll tell you exactly what it is and my thoughts on value (the latter being opinion ONLY, I don't claim to be a price expert)

Photo is, I believe, from either Jeff, Weeb or Bryin, sorry I've forgotten.

[fog rider]

The photo is from an article I wrote on the Coach Lanterns.

Bryin is writing a book on vintage lava lamps. I hope to share that article with him.

[Jonas Clark-Elliott]

Ahh, yes, thanks Fog. The pic is pretty helpful for IDing quickly too.