Vintage Coleman Catalytic Heater Acquired, A+++ Condition, Use it or Sell it?

[R_Lefebvre]

My mother just gave me a really old Coleman propane heater that she got from work. I don't know how old this thing is but it looks like it's 80's if not 70's. Basically it's mint condition. It was purchased by the government for use on some scientific field trips, and then locked away in a dark storage room for decades. I'm pretty sure it's never been used. The box looks in perfect shape, right off the store shelves. The only "wear" is probably from me opening it to have a look.

She gave it to me because I mentioned I wanted a catalytic heater, and she found this thing surplus. I'm not in to vintage stuff, and certainly not a Coleman collector, so it seems a shame to put this thing into regular service.

Anybody know what it might be worth? I've seen vintage Coleman stoves and lanterns for sale, but not heaters. Even if it's not worth much, I'd be perfectly willing to sell it off to a collector for just the price of a newer unit if somebody is interested.

When I saw the posting for the Relic Run, I figured somebody would probably appreciate this thing more than me.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Sadly relic Coleman stuff really doesn't have a high value, a big following for sure but given Coleman made so many of the different appliances, only really rare ones have much value. For example I've the catalytic heaters sell for anywhere from $5 to $50 for a NIB shape one at thrift stores, antique shops, garage sales, etc. That said the catalytic heaters are far less common than the stoves or lanterns, but they get used far less too.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Ok, well I'll just run with it then. Thanks.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

There's a vintage Coleman heater in my garage circa 1960. I guess you could say its a family heirloom as we used it family camping when I was a kid. The old man would put it in the tent to warm it prior to turning in then put it outside. I've only used it to heat a small shed and it was barely effective, of course the ambient temp was about 10F.

If you decide to use it I'd suggest running it in a small space with a C02 detector to eliminate any ugly surprises.

I have a Coleman stove and lantern of the same vintage which we still use.

Jim