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Vintage U.S. Military Coleman Lantern Set — Vietnam Era — Two Unfired Lanterns with Transport Chest & Original Spare Parts
Offered for sale is an exceptionally well-preserved, Vietnam-era U.S. military Coleman gasoline lantern collection, including two apparently unfired lanterns, their compartmented military transport chest, unused replacement parts, and original military documentation.
This collection has remained together for approximately 50+ years and is being offered as one complete set.
History & Provenance
I personally acquired this entire collection approximately 40 years ago from a U.S. military MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) storage locker to which I had access.
Both lanterns, the transport chest, and the spare components were together when acquired. Everything has remained in my possession and stored together ever since. It has been stored in my home since I acquired it.
To the best of my knowledge, neither lantern has ever been fueled or fired. No smell of fuel noted in tank. The original replacement parts also remain unused.
Included in This Collection
Two original olive-drab U.S. military Coleman gasoline lanterns
Original four-quadrant glass globe assemblies
Military wooden transport chest with reinforced metal chest interior with protective padding
Original built-in spare-parts storage compartments in both lanterns
Spare mantles and maintenance wrenches retained inside both lanterns
Unused Coleman replacement generators and other maintenance components
Original military replacement glass quadrants in marked cartons
Original paper-wrapped replacement parts
Military packing instructions and documentation
All additional accessories shown in the photographs
Military Markings & Identification
The collection includes original military replacement-parts packaging bearing:
These markings are consistent with Vietnam-era U.S. military equipment.
Unique Military Design Features
Unlike most civilian Coleman lanterns, these military models feature an integrated spare-parts storage compartment in the fuel tank assembly.
Each compartment has a removable aluminum cover stamped "SPARE MANTLES AND PARTS."
Both lanterns retain their spare mantles and maintenance wrenches inside these compartments. The contents have not been removed or used during my ownership.
The military lanterns also feature replaceable four-quadrant glass globes, allowing individual glass panels to be replaced if damaged.
Condition
New Old Stock (NOS) / Believed Unfired — Vintage Military Surplus
Both lanterns are believed to be unused and unfired, with their original military finishes and markings.
A manual pressure check was performed by pumping the lanterns and briefly loosening their fuel caps. Escaping air was audible, indicating that pressure had been present.
Neither lantern has been fueled, lit, or functionally tested during my ownership.
The lanterns have not been restored, repainted, or polished.
The wooden transport chest retains its compartment dividers, protective padding, and original-looking interior. Exterior surfaces show age-related storage and handling wear.
Original replacement parts remain unused, with various components still in their period military or manufacturer packaging.
Due to the age of these items, operational reliability and fuel-system safety are not guaranteed. The set is sold as vintage military collectible equipment.
Shipping & Handling
The complete collection weighs approximately 45 pounds before shipping materials.
The wooden chest measures approximately 24" × 17" × 10".
The lanterns, glass components, replacement parts, and chest will be carefully protected for shipment. Shipping will be calculated based on the buyer's location and the final packed dimensions and weight.
Local pickup is also available in the Sanford, Florida area.
A Unique Military Collectible
This is an opportunity to acquire two apparently unfired Vietnam-era U.S. military Coleman lanterns with their military-style transport chest, original spare parts, and surviving military documentation.
Rather than separating the individual items, I am offering the collection together to preserve its approximately 50+ age history and the relationship between its original components.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs are part of the item description, and everything pictured as part of the collection is included.
Sold as one complete collectible set.
