The fount did not appear to be leaking, but after citric acid soaking I found one small and another almost microscopic hole in the steel base. The citric acid removed large amounts of flaky rust that must have covered the holes. After practice on tin cans (I have no soldering skills) I fixed the holes with my 25-watt Weller and some tiny drops of acid core solder.
Filling revealed two more microscopic holes. Back to the bench, more solder (one of the holes took two tries) and it worked, this lantern is now as restored as I plan to make it.
Here's the before:
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