Category Archives: Gear

Vintage Coleman Lanterns: Update

July 9, 2012 10:45 am
Vintage Coleman Lanterns: Update

So my collection of vintage Coleman lanterns continues to grow. I should probably slow it down a bit. I’m up to seven, plus a heater.

This photo has various lettered Model 220’s, one Model 228 (with reflector), and one Model 200A (the red guy). From the original lantern post, we’ve not gained any additional decades, but more from the 60s and 70s.

I thought this was a pretty special find. The left is a 1965 catalytic heater model 511A complete with snuffer, unused! I had never seen one yet heard of one when I stumbled onto it at an estate sale. The price was set to where I couldn’t refuse it regardless of what it was. It’s a pretty neat contraption. I tried to light it the other day but didn’t have enough fuel to get a good siphon on it so I’ll keep you posted. The little lantern in this photo is a model 200. Rare. Not a 200A which was produced forever starting in mid 1951, this a model 200, dated October 1950, making it my oldest. It was only produced from about July ’50 – June ’51. The base (fount) is made out of brass and plated with nickel. They soon realized this was expensive to produce and the 200A replaced it. It was produced with a steel, painted fount. I haven’t gotten this 200 working yet, having issues in the pump. But again, at the price I got it for and how pretty it is, I couldn’t refuse.

I love how every lantern could probably tell a great story of what it’s seen. I currently have five of my seven stashed in the UP, working on the next batch of stories. The 200, the 200A, and the heater need some work before they can continue their stories.

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Vintage Coleman Lanterns

April 13, 2012 11:25 am
Vintage Coleman Lanterns

My latest ridiculous hobby: collecting vintage Coleman lanterns. It all started a year ago when my father in law found the one on the right, with a carry case, for $8. I loved it and used it a lot up in the U.P.

Over the weekend a friend and I were camping and I decided then and there that I was going to start collecting them – I’ve purchased the two on the left since then. I’ve decided I’m going to attempt to get one from every decade of the 20th century. Three decades down.

From left to right: 1957, 220E with original globe – 1969, 220F with original globe – 1978, 220J with replacement globe. And they all work great.

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Wolverine Furniture? Wolverine Upholstery? *updated 10/8/14*

February 21, 2012 1:34 pm
Wolverine Furniture? Wolverine Upholstery? *updated 10/8/14*

Have you ever heard of Wolverine Furniture or Wolverine Upholstery? Yeah, neither have I.

Back during the 2011 holiday season, I was able to pick up this beautiful mid-century couch for a steal of a deal from Nueve. They are a mid-century specialty dealer located inside Lost & Found – a fantastic antique market focusing on mid-century goods with a little bit of other eras mixed in as well. Located in an old furniture factory, in a city formerly known as the “Furniture Capital of the World,” it is a perfect place to find what you need.

I was able to get the couch at a steal because the maker was unknown – the tag was illegible. With a little background, one quickly learns that some amazing furniture makers have come from this city. Brand & designer goes a long way in this town – which means treasures could be everywhere. Because the maker was not identified, Nueve gave it a great price and my wife and I gobbled it up.

The design is beautiful. The fabric is fantastic. The size is perfect. But it’s been eating at me that I can’t read the tag. Until today. I was able to make it out – but I have no idea what it means as I’m not a furniture historian nor am I able to find anything online. And now it’s eating at me again. I need your help. Can you direct me to the right place, person, company, specialist that might be able to tell me a little about this couch?

See photos below for details. The is couch 81 inches wide. The tag is under the left cushion, slightly to the left of couch center. The tag measures 3.5 inches by 1.5 inches. With a little trick lighting and the perfect angle, the word “Wolverine” in fancy lettering can clearly be read (I’m pretty proud of uncovering that). The style of the logo looks older than mid-century, but the couch is clearly from the 1950s-1960s. Can you help me identify what I have?

Okay historians, get to work and help me out! Let me know if you have questions!

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Leica M9 Rangefinder: a first-time-use photo stroll

September 28, 2011 2:18 pm
Leica M9 Rangefinder: a first-time-use photo stroll

A couple of days ago I had the privilege of using a Leica M9 rangefinder. A good friend of mine was gracious enough to allow me to borrow it for the afternoon. Him and I have been chatting for a while about photography and where it can and can’t go (by it I mean me). He is obviously a Leica shooter and I am not – this is a place that I have wanted to explore and test my skill and patience. I have been stuck in a world of photographer that has really allowed myself to disassociate with what I am physically doing and “letting” my camera do all the work (even shooting manual!). I have been very interested in…..

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On Order: 28mm prime

March 3, 2011 1:52 am
On Order: 28mm prime

I know it’s been a little while since I’ve posted. I’m working on that, I really am – I’m getting close to “publishing” this blog and making it my primary web page. Once I’m live, I’ll use it – I swear! I’ve enlisted the help from a few good friends and they’re doing me a lot of favors to make it happen. I had no idea how complicated it was to make a simple, clean web page.

In the meantime, I just ordered this lens and I’m pretty excited about it – 28mm f/1.8. I should get it this Friday so I’ll have all weekend to have some fun with it. Within the last 9 months I’ve fallen head over heels with shooting prime lenses. In fact, I sold my 28-75mm zoom lens as I felt like I was cheating when I used it. Last May I purchased the 50mm f/1.4 and I’m not sure I’ve taken it off the body more than a few times. The nifty 50 is a fantastic lens but does have its limits indoors and in confined spaces; the 1.6x crop factor really makes its presence known indoors. The 28mm, will not. For that I am excited. Oh, and I think B & H is the best, most trustworthy place on the interweb for photography gear. Not to mention they’re …

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