This lantern is in a Coleman collection near Sugarcreek, Ohio. This product is not cheap, especially if you purchase a case (which we recommend), but it is bright. It is made from quality parts and works well for car, RV, and cabin camping. We used it practically every night for over ten weeks and didn’t have any problems.
This lantern, in Andy Maschino’s collection, is stamped Made in Canada on the side of the fount but in all other features is the same as those made for the US market. Morgan, Corpus Christi, Texas and includes Sheldon Coleman’s name engraved in script. Some of the 202 models presented/engraved to individuals came with a black enamel ventilator, as seen here, rather than the typical green ventilator on most 202s. This lantern, in Dan Boschen’s collection, is dated May, 1959. Model 202, the Professional (left), is dated Jan., ’55.
See how they compare in each test below, and see if you come to the same conclusion that I did. Once the mantle(s) start to burn steady (but dim) open the valve all the way and pump more air into the fount for maximum brightness. Make sure that the valve wheel is turned coleman canopy fully clockwise to the closed position. Rotate the pump handle counterclockwise one full turn, place your thumb over the hole in the end and give it a few pumps. If there is no resistance when pressing down on the pump, you will need to repair it before continuing.
It can get messy trying to refill it with gas, but other than that, I don’t mind using this one. It has a nostalgic feel to it, and brings me back to the days when I’d go ice fishing late at night with my Dad. Of course you still have to buy the lanterns, so coleman canopy lets take a look at the cost of buying a new lantern. Prices will vary from store to store, but they are all going to be in the same ballpark. The specs say this LED lantern will run for 85 hours on hi. That brings the operating cost to $0.14 per hour.
It lasts what seems like forever on one battery change. There is no assembly required, its weather proof and you can store it just about anywhere. Although you may not be able to buy this exact one these days, they do make a similar one. The new ones will also run on unleaded gasoline. In 1900, William Coffin Coleman was selling high pressure gasoline fueled lamps.
You can also come hang out with us on my youtube channel. As Justin put it, “It sounds like a little jet engine.” With all the negative things I’ve said about it, I will say, this lantern it bright! If you need to light a large area, this is the one you need. Other than that, I found that the LED lantern puts out enough light to accomplish most tasks. My favorite part is that it is safe to use around the kids.
The decal on this lantern (lower image) identifies it as T 53-5, which may be the date of manufacture. The lantern is in Richard & Lorna Long’s collection. We lit campfires, cooked, played board games, had parties, and even chopped wood on moonless nights with this lantern. During one of our parties, we put the Northstar near Grandma when she was chilly. This lantern does make a bit of a hissing sound when it is lit, and when the fuel is about to run out it makes a rather loud whistling noise.