Hi all, This was an interesting if occasionally daunting fettle. I bought this Ditmar Maxim (I’ve never had a Ditmar and can’t divine what the date or type might be) in non-working condition. (Markings on bottom shown in case someone might know what they mean.) I had to resolder the fount bottom where it had developed several stress cracks or weeping areas. I do not claim style points for my soldering; it is somewhat crude, but effective, because the tank holds pressure now indefinitely. Generator/carburettor/vaporizer and rod were a single mass of carbon. That took some doing to get them apart, but finally they did separate and thereafter cleaned up quite well. The usual seals, pump leather, and — this was harder — jet and needle replacements were required, but that just took time and a month’s search for spares. Now it’s running strong, quite bright and quiet. Ran it last evening for four hours straight and didn’t even have to pump it! I would be interested in anyone’s take on its age. Best Ulf.
That is a Ditmar 531 (200HK). Date should be January 1935. From 1938 on they were "Made in Germany" due to the German occupation in Austria. I know different versions with grey or blue enamelled caps and also with galvanized steel tanks. Unlike the small 100HK and the big 300HK versions these weren't produced anymore after the war. Your glass cylinder belongs to a GDR made "Hasag" lantern made by Leipziger Werke VEB / VEB Leuchtenbau Leipzig, as it's the Eastern Germany brand "Rasotherm".
Thank you, Martin, for the excellent information. This lantern sure has seen a lot of history. I’ll see if I can update the title with the date and model. All best. Ulf.
And thank you, Jeff, for the kind word. I couldn’t figure out how to amend the title with the new information, so I’ll hope that those interested in Ditmar lanterns will read the thread! Ulf.
Fascinating. Makes complete sense since Austria would have been annexed by Germany at that time. Ulf.
This one is from October 1939: Note the different shape of the posts of the globe cage, which is unique to the "later" models. The glass cylinder is original also signed with "Made in Germany" / "Fabriqué en Allemagne", although without Ditmar Logo.
A small compilation of my 531 Ditmars. Unfortunately a bit distorted because of the wide angle shot. There is another one in parts that I will try to complete at some point. 03/1936 - 10/1939 - 02/1938 (blue enamel hood) - date unknown (steel tank, grey enamel hood) All have original glass cylinders from Ditmar, although I'm not sure if they really originally belonged. It is interesting that the lantern stamped 02/1938 still has the inscription "Made in Austria", since the annexation did not take place until March 12 and 13, 1938. The right one with the steel tank also has a glass cylinder marked "Made in Germany" / " Fabriqué en Allemagne" and the round shaped posts of the globe cage, which makes me believe that it was produced late, possibly when the use of non-ferrous metals for civilian production had already largely ceased.
A beautiful lineup, Martin, and a real cross-section of history, too. They are rather uncommon here in the States, unfortunately, because I had a lot of fun bringing it back to life! All best. Ulf.
I also have two Ditmar 531 One nickel-plated,made in Austria 03/9 and one made of brass,made in Germany 5/41. Of course I know that both were made in Austria
