by rainjer » Sun Dec 07, 2008 4:23 pm
I don't really agree with you. The is a large world wide group of people that collect Coleman. The prices on eBay really depend on the condition & rarity of the item being sold. I have been shopping eBay for the last 2 year for Coleman gear an I can tell you the price are about the same as the were when I started. I just watched 2 1968 Sear Ted Williams lanterns sell for $269 & $235. That is actually cheap for that model. I have see them go for more that $500. The was an auction for a Coleman Gold bond stove and lantern, new in box, that sold for $1200. If it is in really good condition or rare, expect to pay a lot for it. Also, 9 times out of 10 you will be bidding against people in Japan.
There are still a lot of bargain on eBay if you are willing to put a little time into them. My Sear was $10 plus shipping. I find you can find better deals on vintage Coleman gear on Craig's list, 2nd hand store, swap meets & garage sales if you look. I have 3 Colman coolers. I paid less than $7 for each of them. On eBay the sell for $35 or more plus shipping. I have 5 Coleman water jugs, I paid $10 plus shipping for the 2 I bought on eBay & $3 each for the other 2 at 2nd hand stores. One other advantage of buying local is you can look at them and make sure everything works. When I find a lantern I open up the tank and check it, pump it up and crack the valve to see if I can hear the gas flow. If you do this, always relieve the pressure when you finish.
Jeremy