Condition Rating Guide for Kerosene Lanterns

Condition Rating Guide for Kerosene Lanterns
from "Classic Lanterns"
© 1998 D. A. Pearson
Used with the Author's permission

The value of lanterns vary greatly due to condition and authenticity. The condition of paint, tin, nickel, silver, or gold plating affects the price greatly. Solid brass, brass parts, or copper parts add to the value of the lantern even if it is not polished. Good original paint may add slightly to the value. A well executed repaint does not reduce the value greatly as long as it is not hiding rusted, pitted, or damaged metal. Soot, dust, and dirt does not affect the value as lanterns can be easily cleaned.

The following table creates a rating of lantern condition for use by buyers and sellers. The lantern that appears desirable at first, may not be so desirable when the true condition is analyzed. Condition rating "C" is the normal, average, used lantern condition. Condition ratings of "A" or "B" indicate the lantern is in better than typical condition. The ratings "D" and "F" describe a lantern in poor condition. The + (plus) symbol may be added to the letter grade only if the condition approaches the next higher grade, as in "C+." The - (minus) symbol shall never be used as this is the same as the lower grade with a + symbol. In other words the B- is never allowed because it is the same as a C+.

LANTERN CONDITION DESCRIPTION	CONDITION RATING
New or restored to like new condition as originally purchased from a hardware store. No dents, no scratches, no chips around base, no rust, no soot. New wick. No discoloration of finish or burner. No cracks or chips in globe. No trace of dirt or fuel in the fount. Repainted and/or replated to like new condition.	A
Complete and intact. Perfect globe, undented, light tarnish or paint discoloration in original finish. Charred wick, washable soot, or dirt. Discolored burner or crown. Minor refinish needed to make CONDITION A.	B
Repairable rust. Repaint which may obscure rust or repaired rust. Rust on replaceable parts like the fill cap, burner, or globe plate. Single or multiple small dents that do not detract from the look or operation. Easily replaceable part(s) damaged or missing ( fill cap, globe, or wick ). May be restorable to CONDITION A or B.	C
Missing metal or pits due to rust. Weeping fount. Any hole. Major dent. Previous repairs. Major part missing or damaged (cracked globe, missing burner, rusty crown or globe plate). Not restorable to CONDITION A or B.	D
Parts only. Contains one or more parts usable for repairing another lantern. Major parts missing and metal missing due to heavy surface rust or rust out. Not restorable to CONDITION A or B.	F