I’ve inherited this lamp from my father. It has not been used in decades, but now I want to start it up. How should I approach this task?
Welcome, @Peter Rosenqvist. Indeed that is a beautiful lamp. It so happens that I have one (minus the globe) that I am gradually bringing back to life. Although this link (below) is to a different Petromax, the principles are the same, and there is a PDF guide to Petromax restroration in the thread. Working on a 1938 Petromax 828 (Rapid) I wish you all the best in getting your father's lamp working. Tony
Welcome. Although made for use I would not do it. That globe is not unique if it breaks you can't get another one. You even have the top part on the globe ! For the rest it works like any other petromax with a (dreh)rapid.
This is indeed a rarity. I think you should consider what Wim said above - be very careful so you don't break that globe in case it's an original! But when it comes to lighting it, you can (should, in my opinion) always test it without using the globe before you know everything is working. And if it works nicely, you can always find a suitable replica for a globe if you want to use it occasionally without jeopardizing the (possibly) original one. However! Is that stress cracks we see on the upper part of the brass? In that case you have other problems... Then you will need to consider to just use it for display. But please take more picture and post to this topic! I have moved your lamp to the Reference Gallery, and we want many pictures in here of different details, especially before any kind of refurbishment or 'restoration', so don't be shy in taking several shots of all details you may think is interesting; knobs, knurlings, vapourisers, even stress cracks (if there are any)... you name it! We want you to show us all.
@Peter Rosenqvist Hello! That's a very unusual lantern. I don't have any information that can help you, but I hope you can light it up.
You have some special lamp. I would recommend to buy any other common Petromax lanterns and practice on them before getting to that one.
Welcome @Peter Rosenqvist I'd start looking for a replica or substitute glass globe before anything else. Other parts of the lamp can be repaired or restored to working conditions but once the glass globe is broken, the glorious crown would be lost. The lamp has survived so many decades and you are fortunate to have inherited it.
