I am waiting on parts/tools for a couple of projects so had a bit of a tidy up of the workshop this morning. Couldn’t move for lanterns strewn about so made space for a shelving unit. Seems I overshot though as I now have space for at least four more lanterns! Just pondering on future acquisitions and there is plenty on the wish list still. I decided some months ago that I would only now add particularly interesting pieces to the collection, quality over quantity and I have already gifted or sold a few common Tilleys. I have always said though that I want any lantern I own to be a runner but as a collector I am now considering how many more I could realistically own and use reasonably regularly. Or do I accept that for some of the less common lanterns that spares aren’t necessarily readily available, that only getting to run them a couple of times a year perhaps is how I enjoy owning and using them whilst also preserving them for future generations. I appreciate that my little collection from the past 9 months doesn’t compare to those of you that have been collecting for decades, but that empty shelf space is already calling to me. How have you all rationalised your collections?
It's definitely fewer than 300-400... Yep, that's been my take on it these past 20 years. Some of mine have been used on very rare occasions; some not at all. The point is they've been kept safe and as found without further deterioration or destruction...
I definitely don’t have the space for 3-400! At least not until the kids move out! I think what I’d miss most is the fettling time in the workshop if I stopped finding new lanterns, though I suppose the current ones will start coming back around for cleaning and servicing. Don’t need to decide anything just yet as I still have hanging space in the rafters to go at!
There is no rationalizing my collection. I have a habit of buying lamps that please my eyes, although this tends to get me in trouble more times than not; apparently most foreign (to me) lamps tend to catch my eye. I prefer them to run, or at least have the ability. But I’m not beyond buying a basket case to rebuild if it’s rare enough. They stay here and are safely away from the hands of those who do not appreciate them for what they are.
That's a neat set up. Many years ago I traded or sold most of my petrol lamps and that cleared some space, I still have my Q collection though. My Q collection. The last Shetland auction house went out of business several years ago, so that has really slowed down my collecting.
That is an awesome collection! I do love my 327 and would like to expand my own collection one day. I’m resisting lamps though as I wouldn’t be allowed them in the house which would be a waste. I do have my first stove coming hopefully but it’s been sat in a UPS warehouse in Madrid since January!
Well I have stuck to two countries; Sweden and Australia. That still leaves me way too many to collect but lets me get into more of the details about the models and brands.
That makes sense. Sweden certainly have a fine collection and I do like the look of the Austramax and Aladdins. That’s my problem, I’m like a kid in a sweet shop. I’ve got 7 countries represented in the collection so far. I do have a soft spot for the Vapalux and Bialaddin range as they were manufactured only a few miles from my home.
As a relative newcomer to the hobby during the last 2 years I have amassed almost 30 lanterns. I have 3 Tilleys, 3 of the Petromax variants, and the majority are Vapalux/Bialaddin which are my favourite. Nothing really special, but I believe one of my white gas lamps is quite rare which is a Wards Westernfield. They all work except one or two that need a bit of a fettle. I light them regularly and take a couple on camping trips . I like to use them whenever I can.
I thought I would just get rough ones for parts but then I can't help but get them going so then I need more parts ones and so it goes on
@Brian Reynolds A few of the rough ones I have had worked great after an odd seal and clean up. It goes on as You say!
