Dietz Little Wizard

Hi folks, here's a common lantern but, a popular one. This Little Wizard was covered in gold paint and I saw it was a rather earlier example so, felt I should rescue it.
Hope you enjoy!

[@joebuchanan3808]

Great information. Thank you.

[@jlborish]

Hey Rob, great info on restoring the original look, thank you for sharing. Stay well, be safe. Joseph.

[@matthoward1174]

Thanks Rob ! I soak old funky wicks in a metal coffee can with denatured alcohol, or yellow bottle HEET. It cuts the old grease and grime, and even seems to clean them if they were used with paraffin oil. Soak for a couple days, then hang them to dry and evaporate fully, for maybe 3 days. Works like a charm.

[@rogeralan6260]

Hi, Rob. I'm working my way through the "content." I've finally figured it out. Stripping an old lantern is absolute hell when the previous owner painted it when it had rust on it. I just stripped an old Embury "Hercules" with red paint. Yes, I went through several rags and a bundle of steel wool. Jasco turned the paint to a fresh blood look...

[@rexjolles]

I have one. its black i got it from a thirft store. no glass though, never lit it

[@morayjames92]

Hey Rob: you were mentioning how Mothers gave protection to the bare metal. I was wondering if you have much experience using boiled linseed oil to coat and protect bare metal? The other bare metal treatment I have come across is shellac which comes in white and orange (which I think would add nicely to the patina). Any experience there? Thanks.