Hi, I have just joined this forum after being directed here from Classic Campstoves forum. I can lay my hands on a Stenly pressure lantern stamped "Made in Germany" at a very modest cost. Only problem is that the pump assembly is missing. The rest of the unit is complete even down to an unused mantle. Can anyone make any suggestions for the missing part (replacement or substitute)? Many thanks.
That sounds intreresting. All the Stenly lanterns I know of are marked "Made in Hong Kong". An image of the markings would be of great interest to me. A reference to Germany strongly suggests a lantern made by Silveray and they are the company who make the modern Petromax lanterns which in turn likely means a Petromax pump will be suitable and they are available from Hytta. ::Neil::
Even though your lantern is stamped "Made In Germany", it's more than likely that the factory it came out of is in Asia, most probably Hong Kong and as such, there's a good chance it's a Petromax clone so a pump from such lanterns as Anchor, Red Heart, Tingwon, etc. will fit. edit: Crossed with mackburner.
I assumed a Petromax or P'Max copy because Anchor are from Shanghai China and Tingkwon is part of Lea Hin/Butterfly from Malaya/China and they would not be marked as German. ::Neil::
So, I have managed to solve the mystery after getting through all the dirt. The glass on the lantern is marked West Germany. The fount is marked Hong Kong, so Chinese lantern. I'm also happy to say I found an incredible gentleman living in Port Elizabeth who provided me with an original pump rod assembly, new pump washer and he quickly adjusted everything, changed the nrv, etc. Its now working and lighting up my life.
One last question. Sometimes I would like to have the lamp giving less light output. I have noticed that turning the cleaning needle knob produces this (although with a very restricted range). Can anyone tell me if this practice will damage the cleaning needle?
Eventually, it will. The needle is intended for cleaning the nipple/nozzle only not for controlling light brightness.
To run it at a lower brightness you could try changing the jet (nipple) and needle - IF yours is rated @ 500 you could try a 350 jet and needle combination. But I have found some 350 rated lamps produce similar light to some 500s. Using a non-thorium containing mantle will change the colour of the light (less "white"). You could also consider a frosted globe. Chris
Thanks Chris. I got hold of some mantles made by Totai here in Port Elizabeth. I assume they are of Chinese origin. Looks a lot less white and gives the most beautiful light. Seems very sturdy too. I've been experimenting with running at a lower pressure and it works quite well for me. I will look into the frosted glass aspect as well. Just not sure where to get hold of one. Also, I would think that the ideal would be a partially frosted glass (clear ring at the bottom), otherwise you cannot see the level in the priming cup. All the same, I'm a happy camper now!
Lower pressure for less light means less heat on the generator resulting in less vapourising of the fuel and a quicker carbon buildup inside the generator. Paraffin lanterns were not designed for a variable light output. Certain camp fuel lanterns were designed for a variable light output.
