Rare Vintage Coleman Stove 501 502 Hybrid Transitional 1961 Green AS-IS

This is an incredibly rare, museum-grade Coleman Transitional Hybrid Single Burner Camp Stove, uniquely bearing the stamps of two distinct eras.

• The Fabled 501/502 Transition: The underside of the green fount is clearly stamped "MODEL 501" dated "11 61" (November 1961)—the infamous and highly collectible model that was quickly discontinued due to a factory recall. However, the factory-installed silver collar is stamped "502".

• Authentic Factory Crossover: Due to the pristine, precise factory-like fitment without any crude aftermarket modifications, this is highly regarded as an authentic factory-authorized transitional piece where Coleman utilized 501 fount inventory during the urgent engineering shift to the safe 502 design. It represents an incredible artifact of Coleman’s mid-century manufacturing history.

• Fresh Estate Find: Discovered in an old American estate sale and offered in its exact found condition. It comes paired with a vintage heavy-duty metal cylindrical canister (which functions as a windscreen/makeshift cook kit—note: the stove sits tight inside and does not perfectly lock in) and a very rare vintage long-handled wire clip metal priming/extinguishing cup tool.

Size and Weight

• Cylindrical Canister: 6.5" Diameter x 7.5" Height (approx. 16.5 x 19.0 cm)

• Total Weight (Stove, Canister & Tool): 3.5 lbs. (approx. 1.59 kg)

Material

• Heavy-Gauge Steel, Solid Brass, and Vintage Wine-Red Bakelite Valve Knob

Condition

• Overall: Solid vintage condition with an abundance of genuine character. No structural puncture holes or deep tank dents.

• Stove Body: The classic green fount shows honest paint wear, light scratches, and edge rust, but the red Coleman decal is well-preserved. The burner assembly has a beautiful heavy heat-shadowed patina, oxidation, and carbon buildup from historical use.

• Fount Stamping: The bottom is crisply stamped: "THE COLEMAN CO. INC. WICHITA, KANS. U.S.A. 11 MODEL 501 61".

• Canister & Priming Tool: Show heavy surface rust, oxidation, minor scuffs, and a rugged primitive appearance.

• Operational Status: Untested. Sold strictly AS-IS in "as-found" estate condition for parts, historic display, or professional restoration. The pump plunger moves but has not been pressure tested or fired with fuel.

• Note for Serious Collectors: As with all highly unusual vintage variations found at estate sales, please thoroughly inspect all high-resolution photos carefully to judge this incredible 501/502 stamping combination for yourself. Offered exactly as discovered.