Campingaz Lantern

[Ukdave2002]

This is an old large lantern, that my parents bought, probably in the 80's, it works fine but I can't figure out what the control highlighted does?

 

[Gate54]

Turns the gas up and down and as a result the brightness goes up or down?

 

[Hutch]

Ah the POP, as you igniter the new floppy lace mantle.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I don't think its a gas control valve, as that appears to be at the base of the stand where it fits to the cylinder, I do recall that some LPG lanterns had a built abrasive in flint ignitor, but I have to admit I can't see how that would work in this case.

Is there a chance of some more pictures from different angles?

 

[Ukdave2002]

I can / will take more pics, but can confirm that it has no control over the gas. The gas/flame valve is obscured.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Ah yes,
As you turn the arrowed knob in a clock wise direction , the arm at right angels to the knob should swing upwards so its end now sits at the same level as the mantle. The arm stops in the verical position but if the knob is turned further the gear wheel transfers the rotation to a shaft inside the arm, which ihas a knurled end (now at the top) which should grind on a flint helt in the cap at the end of the arm. This should spread a shower of sparks towards the mantle to ignite the gas.

The reason the arm is designed to swing is so it can be moved away from the mantle to stop it over heating once its lit and being damaged. So once its lit, the arrowed nob should be turned anticlockwise to set the arm down in the position in the photograph.

Edit - as anyone who has used mantle lamps will likely know once the mantle has been burned for the first time, they become incredibly fragile, and careless lighting with a match or spill can easily puncture or destroy a mantle. this device allowed the lamp to be lit without removing the glass globe, improving the protection for the mantle.

 

[Ukdave2002]

Thanks Prof, yes closer inspection confirms it does exactly what you describe pic below illustrates the flint and how when turned clockwise the arm is raised up to the mantel.