Continuing a bit with the O/T discussion (which I find interesting!), while
most mantle problems are related to improper handling, there is such a thing as a defective mantle. Mine typically last many, many months, and usually it's the wire support that ultimately fails, not the mantle itself. But a few months back I replaced a mantle and the new one started crumbling within 3-4 days. I replaced it and the next one did the same thing. I replaced it a third time with the same result. I was flummoxed.
That's when I discovered that Aladdin was no longer manufacturing mantles and they were becoming rare.... I went on an obsessive hunt and managed to scare up a reserve stash of them. I used one to replace the last self-destructing one and it's been fine every since.
I did some Googling and found some discussion of defective mantles on a forum. There are bad batches. The problem is that there's no way to recognize them visually. They just happen. Obviously the 3 that fell apart on me had all come from the same case, from the same defective production run.
Finding mantles is a challenge right now. All of the regular dealers are sold out. I've been keeping up with
Aladdin's updates but things are moving incredibly slowly. They are back in production of Lox-On mantles, but they're only available with new lamps. It is likely to be many, many months before they start producing the Kone Cap style again. The only option now is to find old stock. They do turn up on eBay occasionally, usually at high prices. I was lucky to find a full case at the same price as I was paying from a regular dealer in years past.
Back on topic: I also love listening to my Diamond Disc (A-290) with just my Aladdin for light. Especially on rainy winter nights. That's time travel.
