Hi all, new here, starting out with a Coleman 214. And about to restore an Aladdin 1A. Got me thinking, what's the "best" Coleman they made? From a quality perspective, from an ease of maintaining perspective? From a looks perspective? I note that on the Coleman US site they still sell a kerosene lantern but unsure what model number it is. Obviously in 2019 they have cut some corners, quality wise. Anyway, appreciate your thoughts.
For simplicity and effectiveness you can’t go past one of these: Coleman LQ 327 (Canada, 3/26) But I do like the 236 (I just bought another today). Cheers Tony
The one kerosene still on sale is the 639C I’ve just bought one myself and still haven't lite. I still have to find a 236, 237, 635.
Good Day John Since you are from Australia an mentioned the 214, I assume we are considering Kerosene (Paraffin) lanterns? For a large 500Cp lantern, the 237 Empire is my favourite. Of the smaller 300-350CP models I like the 249 Scout. For looks alone, how about a 201 in nickel fount with a red hood? Regardless of our opinions, be warned that your lamp collection will likely grow uncontrollably.
The Coleman 639 normal selling price on the Coleman site is $99.99 USD. Sometimes they have sales. I got one last year on a Black Friday sale at 35% off. I like it so much that I got another one recently at 30% off for signing up for their email newsletter. The Black Friday sale this year was only 25% off. It is a very bright lantern reasonably well made.
I can't say which model's the 'best' that they ever made. But not too long ago, over at the Coleman Collectors Forum, I could recall something like the 242 topping the list of favourites.
It comes down to personal preference. Kerosene, Coleman 237, if it's gasoline, it's a toss-up, Coleman 327 or 220/228 "B" series. Ease of maintenance it's the 327 or quality it's the 220/228B. It's all personal preference.
agreed on the 242. i just recently acquired one and am really impressed with it. While not an experienced collector by any means, i do have plenty of garden variety 200A’s from across the years and 220’s and such.
@JohnL I paid $75.06 for mine shipped using a promo code of 30% off when you make your first purchase.
My favorite Coleman lamps are: the 639 (kero), 200/201 (gas/kero) and the 335/9. The 339 is really bright and very easy to start, the 200/1 is just so cute - the red one particularly and the 639 is big, bright and runs for hours and hours.
It’s personal preference mostly. I like the Quick-Lite lanterns, L227, L327 and the L427 with a side step to the 228 Slant being my Bestie. This closely followed by the 242, 249 and 237s. Cheers Pete
I don't own any Coleman lantern and find all the numbers totally confusing. Could you please put a pic of your favourites with the post.
@MarkC Fair call mate. So here are my favourite Coleman lanterns. I’m not including table lamps or other breeds of lanterns, just the Coleman ones. L227 Dated January 1932 L327 Dated January 1928 L427 Dated March 1929 228 Slant Dated January 1929 242B Dated September 1936 247 Dated December 1935 249 Dated March 1948 236 Dated July 1952 MilSpec 252A Dated 1969 I hope that this helps to put Coleman lanterns to model numbers for you. Sometimes we forget that a lot of collectors delve in different areas. Cheers Pete
There must several tonnes of TLC there for your lanterns to look that good after these years, Pete. I've never managed to keep any of mine dust-free and most of them look almost like their 'just found' appearances if not worse. I only keep them rust and clog-free so as to remain in working conditions.
@AussiePete , you are going to have to stop showing photographs of these lovely lanterns, they are too tempting! I started with a Petromax as a project to light a BBQ area. This bred, and I can now light the entire neighborhood while the BBQ area remains unfinished. Nine very beautiful lanterns there, and I now find myself on the hunt for suitable Coleman's! I only wanted some light in the garden for summer evenings!!!!!
@Alex Smith You’re so right, the little blighters bred exponentially. Enjoy the ride ....... Cheers Pete
Here’s a picture of my Coleman 220 K , build March 1981 Has an amber globe ( but still bugs are coming in.. ) It’s one of my favorite Coleman’s ! ( the shade = Petromax 500 HK ) Tjerk
My favourite Coleman is my birthday lantern: Canadian 10-54 model 200. Red vent and nickel font. My second favourite Coleman is my collection of Canadian model 236 dating from 1941 to 1952 - all nickel fonts.
I would say a nickel 220B would be my favorite of the 220 series. It is interesting to examine each 220 variation from 220B all the way til 1983 with the 220K. You can see the decline in quality and materials over the years. I tend to run the 200A more often. They are light and bright. Easy to take down and service. Many cool variations of this lantern. May 1953 Silverband April 1953 Blackband April 1962 200A The burgundy color is my favorite in terms of looks.
John The 639c is Coleman's current kero lantern, like Pacholoco pointed out, on sale its $69 but it retails now for about $100. You are right, being a current production lantern its not made as well as vintage Coleman's , however its a cracking lantern. Easy to use ,very reliable and quite bright. I've owned mine for 4 years and its worked well around the house or out camping. A new one is definitely worth getting on sale.
The vintage lanterns were made at the time when those GPAs were rife, in great demand and when there was serious competition among manufacturers. Short to say, they were produced during the great 'Age of the GPAs'. Those were their 'times'. The actual purpose on the continued production of modern units would differ entirely from that on the old units. In actual, economics is only a small aspect. The technology is phased-out and no longer required by the soceity in general. Therefore, we can't really compare modern ones with the vintage units.
@Hanzo Cheers, I'll keep my eyes peeled. Not retailed that well in Oz (they seem to only stick thegrey dual fuel and the Northstar) and shipping stateside is a deal breaker. But nevertheless I will keep a lookout.
