The Classic Coleman Lantern

HuntTested is dedicated to covering the latest, most innovative hunting and outdoor gear, but sometimes new isn’t better. Case in point, the classic Coleman lantern. The Coleman lantern has been a companion on hunting trips for generations. We can only guess how many stories were told at hunting camps over the years by the light of a Coleman lantern. While modern technology has softened demand for the traditional Coleman gas pressure lantern, it remains a reliable and simple light source and has become a highly sought-after sporting collectible.

The Classic Coleman Lantern – Overview

The Coleman lantern’s history dates back to 1914 when W.C. Coleman first introduced his Coleman pressure lantern to the World. Since then, it has become one of the more iconic symbols of outdoor adventure, serving as an essential tool for hunters, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the key reasons behind the Coleman lantern’s enduring popularity is its simplicity and reliability. Even in the harshest conditions, these lanterns are simple to operate, simple to repair, and keep burning, providing a consistent source of light and warmth.

Classic coleman lantern - 1951 Coleman Christmas Lantern
A 1951 Coleman Lantern with the early stamped ” The Sunshine of the Night” logo.

The Classic Coleman Lantern – Practicality Meets Aesthetics

Beyond its functionality, the Coleman lantern adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to a hunting camp. Its classic design, featuring a metal frame, glass globe, and a distinctive logo, pays homage to a bygone era. The hiss of gas, the soft flickering of the mantle, and the scent of burning white gas fuel all contribute to the lantern’s unique appeal.

As technology advances, new lighting options like LED headlamps, high-powered flashlights, and battery-powered lanterns have emerged, offering hunters brighter and more efficient solutions. But, that doesn’t mean the Coleman gas lantern is obsolete. It remains a reliable option when you need to light your camp and it’s great to have a couple of Coleman Lanterns on hand for emergency lighting at home.

Coleman Lantern – A Sporting Collectible

Growing up, Coleman Lanterns were a staple of my outdoor adventures, and hold a special place in my memories. This nostalgia sparked my passion for collecting my favorite Coleman Lantern models. Over the years, classic Coleman lanterns have become highly prized by collectors. Coleman occasionally releases special collector’s editions of their classic lanterns, as well as the extremely limited “Seasons” editions, making them even more coveted among enthusiasts.

A Coleman model 200A limited edition lantern
A Coleman model 200A limited edition lantern
Kamplite Lantern
This Coleman “clone” was made by American Gas Machine Co., a Division of Queen Stove, Inc., Albert Lea, Minnesota. 
A Sears Lantern made by Coleman
A Sears Lantern made by Coleman
Coleman Model 236
Coleman Model 236 from the late 1940s
A Coleman 200A "Black Band" edition and the highly sought-after Coleman "Christmas" lantern from 1951
A Coleman 200A “Black Band” edition (left) and the highly sought-after Coleman “Christmas” lantern from 1951 on the right.
Coleman 275 from the 1970’s
Coleman Military Lantern
The Coleman Military Lantern. This model was made for WWII and continued production into the 1980s. Instead of the traditional globe made of thin glass, the military version uses four separate pieces of thick curved glass to make up the globe.

The Classic Coleman Lantern Final Thoughts

In the ever-changing landscape of outdoor gear and technology, the Coleman lantern stands as a symbol of tradition, and resilience. It has witnessed generations of hunters, providing a comforting and timeless source of light. As long as hunters gather around campfires to share stories and forge lasting memories, the warm glow of the Coleman lantern will continue to be an integral part of their hunting adventures, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

For more information on collecting Coleman Lanterns check out the International Coleman Collectors Club: https://intlccc.net/

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