#9 - 1973 228H Gold Bond - Gold fever

Vital Stats

Model: 228H

Date: May 1973

Technology: Instant-Lite

Mantles: 2

Fuel: Gasoline

Date Acquired: August 20, 2016

Gold has captured the fascination of humans since before recorded history, and even in the small world of lantern collecting it is no different. 

Many collectors first obsession will be to find a "Gold Bond".  There are more desirable, rare and valuable pieces, but I believe it is the relative familiarity of a common model appearing in an unusual variant, without having to dig too far into history, which makes it an easy target.  Gold Bond stamps were distributed at businesses starting in the early 1900's as an early version the modern "loyalty programs".  Then, when enough stamps were collected, they could be cashed in for goods or services.  Coleman produced the 228F, 228H and 200A lanterns as well as two stove models, from roughly 1971 - 1973.  These were distinguished from the regular Coleman line by finishing them in what some collectors refer to as "baby poop yellow".  

I, again, was able to find mine online through my out-of-town friend for a very reasonable price, and in fantastic shape. Many collectors shell out hundreds of dollars on eBay for one in half as good condition.  Some inexperienced collectors make the mistake of repainting a lower priced, poor condition piece only to find out they ruined the value by removing the one distinguishing characteristic, the paint job, and therein also creating the doubt that they may have produced a fake.  Coleman also was producing their standard green models at the same time.  

As for the 228H, with the exception of the ill-fated 220G, the H saw the first major engineering change since the L220 became the 220B in 1930.  Most changes between the B and F were minor, and in some cases were either material or cosmetic in nature.  The improvements to the H resulted in fewer parts resulting in easier field maintenance,  though at the expense of interchangeability with previous models.  Mine still had what was probably its original mantels on them, given the age/style of them.  I've had quite a bit of trouble with the instant-lite feature on this model and have since begun preheating the generator any time I light it to reduce flareup and sooting.