I have battery-powered lanterns and don't want a Chinese Dietz or a similar version. I am looking at the Galvanized Feuerhand version mainly but, see some mentions of Coleman and other Kerosene options. Is the Petromax at ~$300 worth considering? I don't want auto gasoline or white gas versions. I have a Coleman LP version but, I'm looking to move to Kerosene for the fuel source. TIA, Sid
Coleman 639's are still sold when Coleman make them. They are a very bright lantern that work well. Aside from those, the Amish made HC Lightning Bugs are very good Kerosene lanterns but they are pretty expensive. They're constructed from Stainless steel so very durable and because the Amish still use Kerosene for lighting (not exclusively but mainly) they should know what they're doing!
$550 for those Amish Lightning Bugs is a pretty steep one. $320 for a Petromax version would be a tough one for me so, $550 is really not one I would consider today.
I have the lightning bug and the firefly, modern very bright, well constructed. They are a lifelong item, great to hand down, they will go forever. Amish well made. You can get parts , you can upgrade your older lanterns or lamps the burner assembly are top quality, very pleased with mine,
At the other extreme, I bought a Sea Anchor lantern a couple of years ago and it works very well. Because it's Chinese the quality control isn't great but mine works well. I had to fiddle around with the set-up to get it running properly but once that was done it's a good lantern and probably the cheapest new lantern you'll find. They are direct copies of a Patromax and the parts are interchangeable which is good. The chromed steel construction will start to rust if it's left outside but mine is housed inside so it's not an issue. Link to the same thing only with a different name. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Camping-Portable-Lantern-Lighting-Ornaments/dp/B082R317HR And another.... Sea Anchor CP 500 Candle Power Paraffin **collectors grade* | eBay These are from the UK but I'm sure you can find something similar in the US. Both are kerosene lanterns. The is/was a brand called Workhorse which is fully US made. They are also a Petromax clone but im not sure if they're made any more.
Then theres always a britelyt lantern... Products – Britelyt Green Science & Innovations Inc They claim to run on gasoline or kerosene but in reality they don't have the safety features to use naptha based fuels. They are US made as well.
Hullo Sidney the website said that the lamps were back in stock www.tilleylamp.co.uk good luck with the lantern hunt pb
Austramax lanterns are worth considering too as they are bright and well made, chromed and don't rust and are still made in Melbourne, Australia.
Although I am a great fan of the Austramax think for a U.S based person the Coleman 639 would be the go. Parts should be freely avaliable there in the States which is something to keep in mind as the years roll by. Put a shout out on the Coleman Collectors Forum, someone there may be able to tell you of a local supplier.
Amazon seem to get batches of the Coleman 639 for sale on a regular basis, I recently bought one with free delivery to the UK, it's still in its box so I haven't fired it up yet but it is in perfect condition, I paid 127 pounds for it which is a lot cheaper than a new tilley. Regards Ian.
www.coleman.com/lighting/lanterns/gas-lanterns/kerosene-lantern/SAP_3000004258.html 639 is a good first kero lantern. From Coleman you get an additional 15% off.
the Feuerhand hurricane lamps are very good. I've got a couple and usually have one burning outside all night as a security light
Scored a Coleman lantern recently! Looking forward to giving it a run at my farm. Still thinking about a Feuerhand lantern too!
