Model 200A was finished in green from late 1980 until September, 1983, when production ended. This lantern and case are both dated Dec. 1980 and are in Mark Peterson’s collection.
The last of the 220 series lanterns was made in June, 1983 (above) when Coleman ended production of the 220K. Production of the 228 series ended several years earlier.
The 220K dated June 1983 disassembled can be compared here to the first in the series to be produced in March 1928, 55 1/3rd years earlier. None of the parts are identical by the end of production although the ball nut and globe are interchangeable between the two models.
Coleman single mantle CL1 (left) and double mantle CL2 (right) were first manufactured in 1983, replacing the 200A and 220K models. The decal on the side of the fount prominently identified them as CL1 and CL2, perhaps to call attention to their new design, but the smaller print on the collar identified them as 286 and 288. These models were among the first with an adjustable light; the tip cleaner is in the orifice in the off position of the valve rotation. The fuel-air delivery system in these models is the same as in Model CLX/290 below. The CL1 is dated Sept ’84; the CL2, in Doron Papo’s collection, is dated Mar ’84.
Coleman also introduced a larger lantern with a more robust generator (middle image) and presumably more candlepower in 1983. The fount decal identified it as CLX but the smaller print on the collar identified it as Model 290. The fuel-air pickup tube is plastic with a small opening at the bottom (B-middle image) and a larger square opening for air on the other side (C-right image). A Schrader valve threads into the top of the fuel-air pickup to meter the fuel and air and is controlled by the two piece metal and plastic eccentric valve (A-middle image). This lantern is dated Mar ’84.
The only marking on this lantern reflector is U.S. PAT. NO. 4,535,390 which was granted to Coleman on Aug. 13, 1985. The shiny aluminum reflector is on the CLX lantern above (left image). It is pivoted to its square shape then stored under the rim of the fount bottom when not in use. This reflector is in Tim Treutler’s collection.
Coleman made this A version of Model 286 in March 1986 but on the decal it is still identified as Model CL1 as above. The A version includes a heat shield and lacks a frame and instead uses the burner assembly to support the vent and bail (right image). Note the “trough” around the mixing chamber that nests inside the ventilator and steadies it. The instruction sheet notes U.S. Patent No. 4,522,582. This patent is for a Schrader valve that regulates the fuel/air flow from the fount. The patent was granted on June 11, 1985. This lantern is in Greg Rubin’s collection.
Between 1985 and ’89 Model 290 was also finished in black and was identified as The Powerhouse. Some of the black finished 290s were also labeled as Special Edition for Service Merchandise between March, 1986 and December, ’89. The one above, designated 290-700, is in Allan Kuderca’s collection; it has the original globe and is date stamped Aug. 1986.
Coleman made a presentation lantern using another black finished Model 290-700 as above and added the badge on the side of the fount (lower image). Scott Wallis, whose collection this is in, learned that it was awarded to a long-time Coleman employee who won a challenge to save the company $1,500,000. This lantern with the plastic case (upper image) was part of his award.
Coleman made a limited number of the 290-700 Powerhouse lantern that were finished in a ruby color, the stone signifying a 40th anniversary and to commemorate the building of the 40 millionth lantern by Coleman Wichita and Coleman Toronto. The label identifies it as the 40 Millionth Lantern, November 17th, 1986. This lantern is in Michael Merz’s collection and is date stamped 11 86.
To further celebrate the 40 Millionth Lantern, Coleman – Wichita made a limited number of the above 290 lantern but plated the founts and vents and stamped an individual number on the bottom. This one, in Dan Boschen’s collection, is stamped 40000023. It came from the estate of a Coleman engineer.
An Amish gas appliance repairman in Holmes County, Ohio, made about 1000 of these Coleman “200A” lanterns to meet the demand among the Amish for the discontinued 200A lantern largely using parts for the 201 model but with a 200A generator and fuel-air tube. The collars are a reproduction made of galvanized steel. The founts are date stamped May 1987. The lantern on the left is in Frank Crawford’s collection and the one on the right is in Marty Edwards’ collection.
This Model 288A700 two mantle lantern is engraved around the vent (middle image) and the fount decal (lower image): Spotted Bear Ranger Station, R(egion) 1, D(istrict) 4, USFS, located in the Flathead National Forest, Montana. This lantern, in Luke Buettner’s collection, is date stamped March, 1988.
Model 286A (left), finished in red, is dated June ’89 and is in Ron Lenfield’s collection. The red version was made for two years beginning in November, 1988. The 286A, dated May ’98 (right), finished in green, is in Matthew Reid’s collection.
Model 282, dated March 1990, (left) is a one mantle lantern while Model 285-700 (center), dated November ’89, and 285-700E (right), dated March ’93, are two mantle lanterns. These lanterns, in Herman Mulder’s collection, are labeled Unleaded 1 (left) and Unleaded 2 (center & right) rather than Powerhouse or Dual Fuel (see these models lower on this page). Model 282 lacks a heat shield above the frame base plate. Note the change in the pump between the left and center images vs. the lantern on the right.
Coleman Models 290A700 (above) and 295 (below) are dated Dec ’88 and Jun ’91 respectively. These lanterns and the metal cases were specially made for the Dutch army and navy. Model 290 has never been used. These lanterns are in Herman Mulder’s collection. Compare the typical cylindrical globes on these lanterns with the same models dated Jan ’96 below.
Model 214 is a single mantled kerosene model. This lantern, in Doron Papo’s collection,
is dated March, 1993.
This Model 288 Limited Edition Sportsman 1992 lantern, S/N 8424, in Michael Merz’s collection, is date stamped October, 1991. The box label, however, identifies it as Model 288A742. The model number on the box and the other information stamped on the box indicate that it was made for the US market.
This Model 288 is also in the Limited Edition Sportsman series but is the 1993 version with Serial Number 02676. The Model number on the box is 288A743J. The J suffix in the model number and other information printed on the box indicate that it was made for the Japanese market. This lantern, dated March, 1993, is in Ron Becker’s collection.
This Model 288 Limited Edition Sportsman 1995 lantern, in Michael Merz’s collection, is date stamped April, 1995 and is labeled on the decal with S/N 05683. The Model number on the box 288A745C; The C suffix in the model number and other information on the box indicate that it was made for the Canadian market. Oddly, this more recent lantern in the series has the older style pump held with a clip.
Coleman Wichita began making the 222 series lanterns at least by May 1993, when this 222B7101 was built. Look here to see earlier versions of the Coleman Toronto 222 and their version of the 222B. This lantern is in Mike Loizzo’s collection.
Coleman has made several models exclusively for the Japanese market including this Model 635B743J. The lantern produces 500 cp from a single burner and is adjustable. It is identified on the box as part of their Classic line. The fount is dated Feb. ’94.
Coleman Model 200B was manufactured in 1995 and ’97. As the earlier 200A this model has a single mantle but has variable light control and a heat shield as in other models from this period. The one on the left, marked 200B795, was made in August ’95 and is in Craig Seabrook’s collection. The one on the right, in George Remkus’ collection, is dated June ’97.
Coleman made a pale green version of Model 200B for the Japanese market (left image). This lantern, in Michael Merz’s collection, is date stamped March, 1997. Ron Becker’s lantern has the same March, 1997 date and came with the box (right image). The box identifies the lantern as 200 Lantern DX, Model 200B749J. The 749J suffix identifies the model as for the Japanese market.
Coleman made this Model 635B721 lantern, dated Jan ’96, exclusively for Leacock Coleman, an Amish business in eastern Pennsylvania. This 500cp gasoline lantern differs from Model 635B743J above in having a plastic pump mechanism (upper image) and a separate tip cleaner lever, which must be in the up, not down, position to run (lower image).
Coleman’s Powerhouse lanterns – Model 290A (left) and Dual Fuel 295-700T (right). Both are dated Jan. 1996. The boxes that both of these lanterns came in and the instructions both show these lanterns with straight-sided globes. While Model 295 can run on unleaded gasoline, the generator will last longer if Coleman fuel/white gas is used.
Coleman began regular production of the NorthStar lantern around the Oct. ’95 date on this lantern. This model won a design award in ’97 and features a tubular mantle that is fastened at the top and bottom of the globe cage, electronic ignition, as well as variable light control. This 550 cp rated lantern is in Matt Reid’s collection.
Coleman made this limited edition Model 282 lantern for the Japanese market. This one mantle lantern, in Michael Merz’s collection, is date stamped June 1997. The collar is printed Models 282 and 285.
Model 639B was made in Wichita, Kansas in contrast to the earlier 639 Model that was made in Canada. This lantern is date stamped Jan. 1998 and is in Doron Papo’s collection.
Model 282 is a 200cp lantern. This lantern, in Doron Papo’s collection, is dated August 1998. As with other Dual Fuel models, it can run on unleaded gasoline, but the generator will last longer if Coleman fuel/white gas is used.
Model 285-700T is the 2 mantle, 300 cp version of Model 282 above. This lantern, in Clayton Heiderich’s collection, is unfired. It also date stamped August 1998 as Model 282 above.
The Millennium Limited Edition lantern, Model 290A-743J was sold only in Japan. This two burner model is stamped Feb. 2000 on the fount. It came with the funnel and metal carrying case. The globe has frosted images of the L316-1914, LQ427-1926, 220D-1947, 635-1974, and 621D-1983.
These unfired Model 229 lanterns were a Coleman Wichita continuation of the Coleman 222 series with minor changes. Model 229-700 Dual Fuel (left image) is date stamped May 1999. Model 229-725 exponent Dual Fuel lantern (right image), in Tim Treutler’s collection, is date stamped Dec. 2000. The only obvious differences in these two lanterns are the globe frosting and the fount finish.
© 2000-2023 Terry Marsh
The Terrence Marsh Lantern Gallery 