This is a Coleman Col-Max 333, made in the USA, dated A 41. It is in very fine condition, and little used. It also has very interesting provenance (see below). The Coleman Book (Guide to Vintage Coleman Products 1900-1983; ICCC ) does not list these early US-made Col-Max 333s - the book has the US production as 1946 - 1954. I note that @MrAlexxx has one posted here in the Reference Gallery dated B 40. Neil McRae discusses early dates for these Col-Max 333s in the Pressure Lamp Catalogue. I was alerted to this lantern by a member here when it was posted on the Coleman Collectors Forum by an Australian in Queensland. I contacted him and arranged a fair price. I was particularly interested in this lantern because of its provenance. The the father of the person from whom I bought the lantern was a soldier in New Guinea during World War II. He had traded some Australian military kit for the lantern with an American. He (the Australian) was posted with his regiment at Milne Bay which was an important port in the latter part of WWII. The lantern was bought back to Australia and kept in the family. My father was a soldier in New Guinea during WWII, so I thought this lantern would be a fine addition to my collection. I have posted this lantern as it came. Since receiving it, I have treated the light surface rust on some components. The lantern will remain unlit (which means I will have to find another one!). The Sun Flame chimney that came with it measures approximately 4 1/2” high and 4 1/4” wide (115mm X 108mm): Cheers Tony @Mackburner @phaedrus42 @peterthevet @Akeepsake
What a great piece Tony! What a story also. Glad you got it and it has some meaning to you as well! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you got it Tony - what a beautiful lantern. This community is an international one - but with the background history I am glad this one stayed in Australia. It is extra special with the connection to your Dad serving in New Guinea. Thanks for the excellent photos of this scarce lantern.
Well done on securing this fine lantern. It was good to read about it’s provenance. Enjoy Pete @Tony Press
Certainly a very nice lantern. It appears to me that the quality is good too. Its certainly 'Petromax-styled' which, was the main stay in Europe and Asia but, I would seriously doubt that Coleman made this to capture the market on those parts of the World besides USA. As of 1941, thoughout the War and shortly after that, the Graetzs were apparently struggling to regain their foothold in the business. I wouldn't be surprised, should there be any form of collaboration between Coleman and Graetz on this without infringing any rights. It would be nice to see some records on the origins and shed some light on its provenance.
