Hi I've been searching for a coleman lantern or two to buy, but I'm little lost in all different models. I haven't been able myself to really find a pattern. Are there any logic behind the number series or in the numberseries variants with letters? Could I read out the fuel or size or number of mantles or even age by model number? perhaps a stupid question, but I don't know very little about Coleman lanterns. Thanks in advance Joakim Strömberg
Hi Joakim well no question is stupid in my mind. as far as I know and could be corrected by more knowledgeable people, the numbers of models have no correlation to the lantern/lamp type or amount of mantles. the letters are usually model evolution but that is not always the case. so dont go by numbers to look for a model, the questions is what are you looking for? single or double mantle? gasoline or kerosene? but in any case I would go with the older models up to the 1960's when quality was high
Go to ebay, look for the Coleman lantern or lamp that looks better to your eyes, fall in love with it if the price is fine an then ask some advice specifically. This way I bought my first Coleman (I have just four) and it was fine as most of them if complete, will work fine.
Do as Juan suggest. eBay - US, is the way to go when it comes to Coleman. Especially nowadays when the US dollar again is very weak against the Swedish crown! Time for bargains I would like to recommend a 242 of some sort (mine's a B). Solid, good looking and well working little lantern which often goes for reasonable prices.
A very complicated question. Best way here is to go look at what's out there and then ask here for info on what you have found. We should be able to provide info on anything before an auction ends. ::Neil::
As MacKburner stated Coleman's identification system is confusing to say the least, even for those of us that have studied it for over forty years. There are good suggestions above. Another is pick a time period and we could help you identify a lantern by it's features. Mike...
Thank you all for your advices I guess it's no shortcut but look around and taking some notes, when you see something you like. Best Regards Joakim
Great thread for a newbie like me, I had the same question! I am setting up a miniature camping "museum" inside my family's outdoor store. I probably only have room for 3 or 4 lamps. What are the real classics? So far I have an AGM 2572 (1940's?), and recently nabbed a Coleman 200 (1953) off Ebay. I think I want a baby Petromax, but probably don't have the budget... If you could only display 4 lamps to represent up to 1960, what would they be?
Hello Steve, and welcome aboard. A Coleman LQ327 is a must. The link below shows one. A Petromax 500cp., lantern is a classic. A 1950s Tilley Guardsman lantern is another. 1924 Coleman LQ327
This is my first posting here. I think it's cool to monitor a lantern forum from Europe. Stuff that we consider rare here is pretty commonplace to you all I'm sure, and visa versa. As far as Coleman stuff goes, throw logic out the window. And really old stuff with mica globes is cool (327s and 427s), but start out collecting something that is cheap and easily obtainable. Right now, for me, the coolest lantern I've collected lately is a 335 from Canada. Single mantel and a really sweet operating lantern.
What is remarkable is that I never considered this a lantern forum "from Europe" until you pointed it out! The internet connects us so easily, and I have purchased things from Germany and the UK without any hesitation (other than the slightly higher shipping) and have yet to be disappointed. Good advice yours, except that my personality is one that would rather do without and wait for the exact model I am craving, even if it is not easily obtainable. Let me apologize to all for driving up the price of certain highly prized examples, I just can't help myself! By the way, I have my LQ327 already...
We strive to be a global forum as reflected by our membership. Non-European lamps are well represented here. We are primarily a .com for that reason plus the site sits on a server in the USA.
I own almost every lantern that Coleman has made (USA models) Its really hard to pick a single example but I will break it down to two sections, Double and Single Mantle. Single Mantle: 242B or C is fine choice, very well built, bright burners, parts are very common. 200A pretty much prior to 1970 is very nice also, Bright and very well made, fantastic design. Double mantles: L327 is the easiest to work on literally a valve and a generator (requires separate pump) 220C 228C(Big Hat) A fine model alot of brass and the last model with the screw in pump, no silly little screws or clips to lose.
GOOD POINT on the "Global" aspect of this forum. IMO, it's just what we collectors of this stuff needed. A global brain trust with information by the bucketful. As for the "essential" or "should have" with respect to makes/models I lean toward dual fuel capability. By that I mean devices that burn gasoline, those that burn kerosene, or those that can SAFELY burn both. Fuel prices what they are and availability makes a mix of pieces prudent. Availability of repair parts is another variable to consider. I second the 242, 220/228B or C models. But for the "old school" Coleman I have to go with a 427 with its built in pump. For kerosene burners, what can I say, PETROMAX Rapid! Once the "kero bug" bites you an Optimus, Radius, Tilley or other might be in your future. The first time I lit a rapid heater at a campout with "laymen" they jumped back with a "What the hell is that!" comment. Once the explanation of volatile/non volatile fuel was given there was "Ah Hmmmm!". Not only are we collectors, we are also preservationists. There is something inherently wrong with a lantern/lamp that makes no "HISS". Bob
