This Col-Max 555 has the words "Made in Hong Kong" on the lowest band of the fount right under the logos in front, multiple languages on the back of the fount, and "Colex" on the globe. Gauge/fuel filler but no starter. How does one date these lanterns?
That's a fine example! The filler cap/pressure gauge which is on your lantern, was offered as an optional extra, a filler cap with a pressure release screw was the standard. As far as I know, these Col-Max lanterns were never offered with a rapid pre-heater, but if I'm wrong then I shall be corrected. The dates which I have for these lanterns, (there are 3 models) are 1940 to 1955, Jeff.
1940-1955 is earlier than I had expected. (Though now I can't seem to find the source, I can recall it dated a Hong Kong made Col-Max as being made as late as the 1970's.) This model is so different from other Colemans that dating by universal parts isn't possible. Something about how the parts look and feel, the knurling on the edges, it doesn't seem like it can be older than say, 1960-65.
Hello Doron, thanks for the update! GL after the model number stands for gauge and lighter, a G after the model number means a guage but no lighter. Those dates are from the green Coleman book, but it's not always reliable, Jeff.
