I have always had a few Petromax lanterns on my wish list but haven’t had one in my collection until now. This is in much better condition than my usual finds and I expect the fettling to be minimal, but I couldn’t resist this 821. It’s a bit bigger than I thought it would be but it’s still a nice compact lantern. From what I read I was expecting to find a scratched or stamped date on the base but I can’t find one. Any idea on date of manufacture based on the features? It can’t have been fired more than a few times by the look of it. Very pleased it’s as good a condition as it appeared as the customs charges to get it to the UK from Germany really add to the overall cost. Looking forward to getting it fired up. I’ll post some pics of course!
Its in good shape. No stamped letters at the bottom? Or scribbles/scratched numbers?The features indicates the post-war design. I'd say more towards the 1950s. The horizontally-ribbed with rectangular holes at the lower part of the frame collar would indicate the later years of the 50s or throughout the 60s to modern ones. Well, at least it'd apply to those Petromax rated at 300/350/500hk. I have not seen many 821s from this time period so I can't exactly tell. The rounded-rectangular vent holes on the hood are normally found in the earlier Petromax: -prewar till the early 50s. The later ones are less rectangular. Perhaps other members can indicate a more accurate period.
From the look it for sure was worth the customs charges Judged by the horizontal air slots and the missing of a machine stamped number which appeared from 1961 on I would date it like MYN said the second half of the 50s. Did you use a magnifying glass for the date scratch search? Anyway it will give a bright light. Matthias
Not tried a magnifying glass, is it really that small? I had wondered if the mark was central and had been lost to that bit of surface deterioration.
I have the impression that a new tank bottom has been incorporated here. The unmarked hood probably comes from a Geniol 250 (1975 >) The manometer is much more recent (approx.2000>) Reinhard
@Scott D I oversaw the hood is not marked. It should be stamped like the tank, with Px and made in Germany. The outer shape of the pressure gauge also is not period. The date scratches often are faint and covered, that's why I asked. Hood and gauge have been added later, but will not avoid good lighting. Matthias
I would think its original tank bottom. And it doesn't matter if parts have been replaced throughout its life. Maybe these got damaged. Its still a beautiful lantern and will give an excellent light output with a 300cp Fargo mantle. Set Gap between jet and mixing tube rather high than low.
That’s useful information on the gap @bp4willi thank you. The replacement hood doesn’t concern me and I like the look of the gauge. It was bought to look good and burn brightly and it will do both. I’ve not come across Fargo mantles yet but I’ve got mantles that should do the job.
That's a beauty Scott, what I like about lamps with a Preston loop generator is that you can put some hours into enjoying them knowing that replacement jets are cheap and readily available. Re international shipping and customs charges, they are a swine but they are what they are. I nearly pounced on a Hasag table lamp earlier today before I noticed that the shipping was £350 Happy fettling, James
