Hello members, this my first post. I’m new to this forum and new to the Coleman 242. I didn’t know they existed until I came upon one. I’m trying to figure out if I’m reading this correctly in terms of the date on the fount. It’s showing the following, left to right: 9 2 I’m reading it 1929 of February (2). I’ve had two fellow Coleman collectors say they didn’t start producing them till 1932 so they’re telling me it’s September of 1932. a little help would be appreciated
Hello Toby, sorry about this not carrying a photo along with it. For some reason it’s not uploading. the collar says the model is a 242, the fount has the Coleman stamp on the side without any dates. The 9 (on the left) and the 2 (on the right) are stamped on the base’ underside of the fount. Nothing else on the base. you’re thinking the 9 is the year and 1939 or 1949 then, huh? Not sure, why the date wouldn’t be on the side of the fount under the stamp then in 1939 through 1949.
All US 242,A,B,&C's will be bottom dated. The "242" model was an early 30's model. Being a 39 or 49 model you're looking at a 242B(39) or 242C(49) assuming it's a US version and not Canadian. The way we can tell the difference is in the side stamp. On the B's the side stamp is taller/larger whereas the side stamp on the C is shorter/smaller... I'm fairly certain the C's went to a double digit year stamp in 49 as well, so I'm leaning towards the B fount with an early 242 collar at least. A photo would tell me more.
Amazing looking! I just got into the realm of Coleman lanterns. Bought my first 639 (Kero) a couple of weeks ago and cant wait to explore this new hobby
@sirvine You're in the right spot to get hooked. Don't forget to visit the CCF (Coleman collectors forum) also! The Coleman Collectors Forum - CCF
