Uner Construction
I don't recall exactly how I started restoring Coleman lanterns, though I have always used and appreciated them on my many camping trips. The one above, a model 200A, is in my opinion the best performing model of all. That's not an indictment against any others because they are all remarkably reliable. It's just that this model burns brighter and more reliably that any other I have used. The one above was collected rather than being a long time companion. I favor it particularly because I recall, though times and places elude me, pursuing flounder with one exactly like this one was comfortable and very productive. The reflector/handle made it easy to manage and kept the light on the subject.
I decided to collect lanterns by restoration rather than purchasing pristine specimens at lofty prices. My pleasure was managing to make them work again and look as presentable as possible. The one on the left is representative of how I found some of the ones I decided to give a try. It's a 1948 vintage model 242C. You will see it later in its restored condition. Some were in worse condition, some in better. My modus operandi was to restore a specimen as much as possible without replacing parts or resurfacing. I appreciated the patina of experienced pieces. Besides parts other than basic functional ones are very hard to find and, of course, no longer produced..
I'll present my main collection in order of production date, older to newer.
1928 Model 220
On this row you see my oldest. It's a 1928 model 220. The left hand photo shows you how I found it. It didn't work and it had a contemporary glass globe. Mica was the original globe material.
I was able to restore it nicely as you can see in the two photos above.
