Hi everyone, only new here. I've been toying with the idea of buying my first pressure lamp for a little while now. Ive been soaking up as much information as I can here about them the last few days. Certainly a lot of knowledge here amongst you all. This question is probably aimed more-so for the Aussie collectors. When it comes to purchasing an Aladdin A1 (and I'm happy to have to do the restoration work myself), I've seen what I can only describe as a wide-range of asking prices for them. Having not purchased any lamp before, what kind of fair price should I be expecting to pay for one in reasonable condition, complete, but requiring some repair such as pulling apart and cleaning parts, maybe replacing something if needed, here in the Australia? I'm sure there's lots of variables I haven't thought of when it comes to price-range. It will be my first lamp purchase, so reaching out to those of you in the know. Any help appreciated. Andy
Hi Andy, the site has a no valuations policy which everyone adheres to. It possible to look at auction sites to find recent purchases. Note though that you may pay extra for the convenience of an online auction as compared to searching garage sales, etc. Spare parts can be expensive so finding one that has all the bits is a good idea, where possible. Cheers,
Oh ok my bad. I did read that rule but figured it was aimed at people asking "How much is my lamp worth". So my mistake then if it extends to my type of question. Thanks for your tips. I've found prices at online auctions over the top for other areas I collect, so tend to avoid unless its a pretty good bargain. Time to get dirty at the garage sales!
Welcome to CPL @Andy_B With the Aladdin's watch out for stress cracks in the tank, especially on the earlier green painted ones. A crack in the rim isn't a major problem as long as it isn't above the bottom joint. It can still be fixed but with more difficulty. Australian Aladdin 1A Fettle | Classic Pressure Lamps & Heaters
Great, thanks for that. I was going to ask what the stress cracks looked like and where, but that thread you linked to explained it for me. Great looking lamp by the way!
@Andy_B Any particular reason for the 1A being your first pressure lantern? (there’s a few to choose from!)
In all honesty, no particular reason at all. I came across one while I was looking at regular kero lamps, and liked the look of them. I don't know a great deal about other manufacturers, but I'd like to stick to Australian made/manufactured
Well you should also be able to find Kayen and Austramax lanterns reasonably easily too. These might be an easier way into fettling these things.
They are a good looking lantern. Possibly the biggest challenge you are going to face is stopping at one. (Ask anyone here).
You will find Aladdin 1A lamps on Facebook marketplace and Gumtree at a range of prices. i have picked them up at from $20 to $80. Best to get a whole one, especially make sure the glass is there. If it is being sent to you make sure you specify wrapping the glass. They work well when fettled.
Fast forward a few weeks, and I've got hold of my first 1A. Predominantly I'm a collector of Australian railway items (mostly SA, but some NSW), so this lamp was of extra interest to me, being marked "NSWTD" So I guess I now go have a thorough read through the forum posts and see where I go from here to get it safe and running
A nice find. That Aladdin 1A bears some resemblance to the shape and appearance of some Swedish lanterns such as the Primus.
@MYN The Australian Aladdin 1A is a copy (not exact, but very close) to a Radius 119. Radius made lamps, branded Aladdin, for Aladdin Australia in the 1930s. See the various models here: Aladdin Tony
Thanks Tony, That's what I've observed. Those Swedish lanterns,..Primus, Radius. Close but not exact.
@Andy_B I was watching that lantern on ebay but didn't bid, Congratulations. It should clean up nicely
