That is a great looking lantern Mike. Your cleaning method does an excellant job of cleaning and leaving the original aged finish intact. I've posted a picture of my C T Ham No.2 for everyones viewing. I did NOT clean this one, it was done by someone else. It has been sand or bead blasted. This is not the way I like to clean lanterns! I only bought this one because it was my first C T Ham lantern and the price was right..20 bucks. The finish is bare steel with a clear coating. And yes the fuel fill is off to the one side I dont know why that is. I'm hoping Bobby B will check it out and add some information and comments Harry W