Finds, Stories
This space is devoted to sharing discoveries of GPA (lanterns, stoves, heaters) listings. They’re typically classifieds from the usual places or auctions on ebay.Â
What makes them worthy of sharing†? Good question. If we find them interesting, unique, a good deal, or just something that we feel is special for whatever reason. Please comment with your thoughts (price, authenticity, value…it’s all fair game).

Find: 1970 Coleman 512A 3500 BTU Catalytic Heater
The catalytic heater appears in good condition and complete, but the owner offers no details and the photos are wanting.

Find: 1984 & 1966 Coleman 502 Stoves
Two single burner 502 stoves have been found for sale, one of them appearing clean while the other is rough. No mention of their functionality is offered in the listing.

Find: 1940s Coleman 242C
A rough 242 has been found showing plenty of corrosion, but might take to a fettle. Photos are beyond amateurish, and no mention of functionality.

Find: 1960 Sears 228 Big Hat
A decent Sears big hat lantern in blue has been found, which corresponds to a Coleman 228.

Find: 1950 Tilley R.1 Radiator
This heater with parabolic dish from England makes some light during operation. Date stamp not shown, but likely 1950-54 vintage.

Find: 1962 Coleman 501 Stove (06/62)
This Coleman single burner stove is the recalled 501 model. While it should not be used out of safety concerns, the stove often takes a front row seat on the collector’s shelf.

Find: 1956 Coleman 220E (04/56)
This 220E double mantle lantern features a green letter sunshine globe.

Find: 1941 Coleman 243A (03/41)
This single mantle 243A features a blue fount and black ventilator.

Find: 1960-70 Optimus 80 stove
This Optimus brass stove from Sweden is a PTC era model complete with box, accessories and tin.
† Great deals usually don’t last, so while this archive will provide links, expect them to go stale quickly. We have zero financial interest in any of these shares, and are never paid to promote any listing. We are simply helping discover cool stuff, hoping to drive a buyer from our community to consider them.
Additional guidelines for our Finds here at single mantle:
- Looking for items ~10 or more years old.
- Nothing excessively expensive. We won’t feature $3,000 gold bonds or anniversaries from Japan.
- The key is interesting, unique, good value, classic, cool, iconic, specials, etc….kind of things we want to buy if only we could buy it all.
- Things that will stir a conversation and be appreciated by our users, and hopefully be purchased by someone in our community.