Over the last few years having looked at a lot of photos from lantern meets from around the world, is it my imagination, or do there appear to be more old as-new, mint, lanterns in Asia? Seeing of late on this forum some mint European lantern examples (even twins appearing) in Asia, I'm puzzled why I don't see ebay littered with them or some appearing more regularly in God's zone down here in NZ? Am I mistaken, is it because I don't polish my lanterns enough or am I just out right envious
Yep, exactly the same thought occurred to me some years ago and seems even more relevant now. You only have to look at the lanterns in some Japanese collectors hands - usually far better than the ones I have here where they were produced originally...
It's a matter of who has the deepest pockets. I have recognised a few of the lamps as coming from various auction sites where they have sold for astronomical amounts. Bottom line is that they are obviously more willing and able to pay more for lamps in SE Asia than we are.
In conversations with a Japanese member of the Guild I found that most Japanese collectors don't want dirty lamps that require fettling. Near new, polished and ready to go is all they want and they will pay for it. ::Neil::
I suppose that's why there are people on Ebay making a good living selling highly polished lamps and stoves. I'll carry on buying dirty lamps and stoves thank you . Terry
Like most of you, I like the challenge of bringing home what the rest of the family consider junk and then fettling and transforming it into an item of beauty. Doing that with a very cheap priced lantern that turns out to be rare is something that gives me much satisfaction. I would hate to be in a position where I could not service or repair a lantern or stove. A man has to have a cave and something worth tinkering with and as I say to my wife, lanterns are cheap and don't take up as much room in the garage as motorbikes or cars.
nzlantern, my wife refers to them as tat, but after the first couple were fettled, she soon went quiet!
Rough looking lanterns do tend to be cheaper and I enjoy restoring them to working order and improving their appearance, Jeff.
You have to know the female mind set. My stuff is that junk or that crap,Her stuff are knick knacks and cute.
dead right Dan,a green 200 coleman is ok as it looks like a little man with a hat on,,,,a tilley table lamp isn't ok as its the 'wrong' colour,,,if it was old english white it would be acceptable....
