Collecting Coleman

You bet people collect Coleman items--you are not alone! Regardless of where you are or where you grew up, chances are that you have fond memories that are attached to Coleman. Night fishing by the warm glow of a lantern. Perhaps you remember a house or a cabin that was lit by a Coleman. Or the family camping trips you took as a child. The Coleman Company has left an indelible mark on our history and has touched nearly every one of us in one way or another.

One rather unique thing about Coleman is dating. Many items manufactured by Coleman have date information on them. If you were born in March of 1955 it is possible to find a lantern made that same month and year. This practice of date-stamping started in the early 1920s on lamps and continues to this day. Another benefit is cost. You can gather a significant number of Coleman lanterns well before you reach the $100 mark on any one item. Some of the rare pieces are very expensive but for the most part the hobby is very affordable.

And if you're interested, there is a club for Coleman collectors. The "International Coleman Collector's Club" publishes a quarterly newsletter and has a convention once every year that is just phenomenal. If you'd like more information please visit the ICCC website.