Well, I need to clear up a little misinformation and add a couple of things to my evaluation of the new Kirkman Champion #2 lantern. First of all, I was mistaken as to country of origin
. It is NOT made in the U.S.A., but rather the manufacturer is in, you guessed it.....CHINA! Now, this ain't ALL bad because the labor IS cheaper there and the Kirkman Co. has them made to THEIR SPECIFICATIONS! The metal is thicker, the chimney/globe is of much better quality, the burner and mechanism for raising and lowering the wick is better and it is galvanized inside and out, rather than just being shot with a thin coat of paint on the exterior, to stave off rust and corrosion. It's still the best, moderately priced, big kerosene lantern that I know of, being currently produced!
That being said, I have used it quite a bit since my last report and friends, guests and family members have been universally impressed with its quality and performance. Most of them are ordering one or two for themselves, too! We used it out on our deck for several nights over the long weekend to provide light for all of us as we sat around visiting. We DO have electric lights, but they attract all manner of insects and the kerosene lantern seems to be the remedy for that problem. We still get a few stray millers or moths, but not the hoards of them that swarm madly around the brilliant light produced by light bulbs or the Coleman lantern.
Fuel consumption, I'm happy to report, has been MUCH LESS than what the website indicates that you should expect!
I actually lost count of the hours that the first tankful has lasted, but I know its over 35, so far, most of them at full throttle! I feel that I got my money's worth with this very nicely made lantern and am very satisfied with it, so far. Because of that, I give it my most humble & enthusiastic endorsement and officially stamp it....... "WOLFY APPROVED"
EDIT: "Specifications" NOT "SPECIFICTIONS"!
