I have recently acquired my first petromax lamp. It is marked as a 826/350 cp SUPER. I cannot find any date markings and would like recommendations for a parts supplier ( I need a glass, a mantle and a seal kit). Thanks in anticipation of helpful replies.
Judging by the collar of your lamp,your Petromax was manufactured from late 1956 to mid-1958. There are delicate scratches on the underside of the tank that can be used to determine the age by year and month.In the 1950s and even in the year 1960, Petromax always put a slash between the month and the year. Please take a look.
You have a post-WWII Petromax. It must have seen a lot use and exposure over the years. Very likely made in the Altena factory, Western Germany. As Reinhard mentioned, it was made around mid 1950s. That 'sickentank' fount has 4 bead/grooves for the smooth unribbed collar 'legs'. If I'm recalling correctly, its possibly made slightly earlier than those without the bead/grooves. Aside from the pre-War Petromax, my favourite Petromax lanterns of this style are those made in the 1950s. Not just because they are older. Its something about the metalwork... I'm in the opinion that the 50s Petromax are somewhat better-made in comparison to those from much of the 1960s, especially after 1961. Most of the post War lantern-related patents by Graetz were from the 1950s. There must have been quite a fair bit of technical development still ongoing during that decade. Not so much focus on 'economizing' yet. The company was, at least throughout the 50s, still controlled by the Graetz family. I believe the post-War Graetz company was at its peak in the 1950s.
