Are both of these Optimus (Optimusses, Optimii?) lanterns 1350s? The one on the lefy is clearly marked on the collar, the collar on the other one is faded. The one on the left has a pre-heater, the other doesn’t. They look identical otherwise to me except that the tank on the right looks slightly smaller to me. That may be because that tank is dull and the other shiny?
@Jean J The one with the rapid preheater is 1350, the one without is just 350. Spot on about the dull versus shiny creating an optical illusion, the tanks are the same size.
I'll just add to the info already given. The 350 is most likely from around 1960 (ish). The 1350 is probably from the 1970s.
Ah but in Latin both Primus and Optimus were synomyms and also adjectives not nouns. When used as a noun it should be Optimas (nom.sing) or Optimates (nom. plural) - but maybe not so catchy ? Nice pair of lanterns Jean. They are a joy to own.
I disagree. The names Optimus and Primus were given as nominative nouns: the name of things (not as possessive nouns). Even if I am wrong in the original intent, popular usage indicates the nouns are nominative. Tony
Agree - they have been adopted as proper nouns in Swedish. If we say that the words are now Swedish then in Swedish the plural suffix would be one of the following for the indefinite plural: or, er , ar, 'n or nothing. Much like in English where would put an s or es (or nothing) on the end. But in English we call them an Optimus where really we should say "Optimus lantern" much like "Ford escort". So that would be Optimus lanterns. I suspect the same may apply in Swedish. Languages are so irregular - endless fascination.. the plural of Pizza should be Pizze (which is a valid English word) Chris
