I received two Dietz lanterns today dated S 9 1939 so manufactured in the first month of WW2, they were found in a loft with no history, does anyone know what markings there would be if they were Military please? Thanks.
@MG I would expect to see the “crows foot” if any markings are to be found. Any chance of some photographs please? Regards, Jeremy
I was thinking more on the lines of the US Military rather than ours, i did have a quick search but didn't turn up much, they have plenty of loft dust and i had to use a wire brush on a rotary tool to expose what i have found so far, i found a picture of one stamped in 1940 in the States but the stamping looked larger than on these with more space between each line unless it was an optical illusion, I'll sort a couple out later, Thanks.
They may just have been for the civilian market but its nice to know their history if possible, both are complete although the top has been removed for damage repairs on one, even with my loupe its difficult to make out the stamping so more cleaning will be needed to get a better view,
I have an identical lamp in the shed, but I never checked if there are any markings on it. Job for tomorrow..
Yes, i only learned of the markings when looking to make another purchase a while back, it all adds to the interest imho, they should be on the air tube? to the right of the filler cap from the front, just above the glass, i believe they stopped stamping them after 1956 when the factory moved to Hong Kong?
Yes, Dietz stopped lantern production in the US in 1956, when everything went to China. I really don’t think Dietz had a contract with the Government, I know they had one with Coleman.
That's a shame, would be nice to know when they came over though and for what reason if not just business, i guess they are from the same batch.
It has been sat on the shelf a number of years, never thought to look for any markings on it. They are very faint but it’s marked S-5-39
Definitely nice they've got some age to them, hopefully mine are leak proof as i intend to use them if possible.
Not everything went to China (well, Hong Kong actually) in '56. The Comet and Air Pilot were made in the US until 1970 but were no longer stamped with a date code.
I think you will enjoy them. It's not a big deal if the tanks leak though. For slow leaks, a couple teaspoons of exterior-grade marine spar varnish can be used to seal the tank; just make sure to let it dry for a week. For serious leaks, use an automotive gas tank sealer.
That's handy to know thanks, i have a Feuerhand Sturmkappe that also leaks so will try some of the yacht varnish on it.
Hi @Norman Murray , yours is in very good shape! I have one that is so rusted fuel seeps out, but it is complete. I'll have to check if it has a mfg date on it.
