I know there are those with supreme knowledge of the Swedish Lanterns, and the various dating markers. I have had the less shiny 300 some years now, but was recently given the chance to acquire a somewhat cleaner model with its original stamped glass. In essence, they both share the same features. There are really only differences in the design of the pump plunger and the wing-nut fuel caps as per the pic's. Both are Optimus Sweden in different places, and there is no reason to think they came from donors in the past. The pump knobs are both of a large diameter, but only one has the lock-in arrangement. I've only cleaned these off, so far at least. From others shown on the 300 page I'm guessing 1930's-ish but it would be interesting to know which of the two may possibly be the earlier made one. I can't readily see the larger winged cap on any example, and also my two seem to have a less tall gap between the cap and the hood than on some. Thankfully both run rather nicely, and though the plating is dulled or worse, I am loathed to interfere and end up through to the brass in places! Any observations most welcome. Cheers, Roger.
Well, lets see what we can work out. The shiny one looks to be complete and original. As is, it is from the middle of the 1930s. The not so shiny one looks like it has had the pump replaced at some time. It should be the same style as the other one. Otherwise it is earlier, roughly from 1932 to 1935.
Thank you for that. The big wings on the filler are a bit of a mystery, possibly from some donor, but the same degree of neglect as the rest of the lamp, so maybe a long while ago if that's the case.
The filler cap is correct. The first couple of variations of the 300 had this filler cap with the large wings. The one with the smaller wings was the next version, but it only existed for a couple of years.
Thank you for that Nils. Always welcome to hear wisdom from the founding fathers! I'm going to perhaps have to concede that the pump rod and cap may be a substitute, whilst going to bed happy that my somewhat dull looking one has some seniority if born only marginally a short while before its "Twin".
