A few Optimus 930 lanterns have appeared on our local auction site lately and I snagged a couple. OK so these are common enough I guess but what I was really wanting to know about is the long brass spirit filler can in the photo. It is unmarked and I have not seen another. Is this filler an Optimus original or from a third party, it is too well manufactured to have been made non-commercially I would think? Also I have noticed people mentioning "Black Mantle Disease" and melting pricker knobs. I have another somewhat beaten up 930 and I would say it would be one of the most reliable and biddable lanterns in the stable and has worked beautifully even when subject to some abuse.
I am almost certain that is not an Optimus filler can. I am also fairly sure it is not a commercially made item. The brass looks to be good and thick and it is a quality item, but it is let down by just using a cork in the filler. I would expect a commercial item would have a screwed on cap. Nice 930s btw.
You are most likely right but I would have to say that whoever made it had excellent machining and brazing skills as it is made very precisely. It is made of thick brass/copper and is very solid.
