Dear all. Here will be the Bruder Mannesmann petroleum high-pressure lamp. This is a somewhat "cheap" alternative of Petromax 500CP or similar 500CP lanterns. If comparing the quality of Mannesmann with e.g. Petromax, it could be seen that Petomax is of better quality in all the parts, connections, as well as metal plating. The reflector is also thinner and of smaller diameter in comparison with Petromax. However, the lantern works properly and is very bright. I bought it in 2013 in a local shop, and the price at that time was just about 40 EUR, including the reflector. I'm happy to have this lantern in my collection. Cheers DZ
@mr.shickelgruber Is there any indication on the box or paperwork of where this lantern was manufactured? The Pressure Lamp Catalogue has it listed as: “MANNESMANN: Brüder Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft. Lempstraße 24, 42895 Remscheid, Germany… Probably a retailed re-labelled Chinese Anchor lantern.” Tony
It sure is burning brightly. Working like a charm. Mannesmann lanterns are made in China. Not sure how the manufacturing is affliated or connected to Brüder Mannesmann in Germany. I don't think they make any in Germany. Appearance-wise, it looks to me like the Sea Anchor of Cixi. How had been your experience with your Mannesmann since owning it? Does it works right out of the box? Or do you need to a lot of 'additional' coaxing to get it working? I read quite a bit on the Sea Anchor's notorious reputation.
You are completely right, it was not usable right out of the box. The leakage was almost from every connection, and the ceramic vaporizer was not appropriately adjusted.
While I'm not referring to the Mannesmann, actually working and starting out with mostly poorly-made or 'lower-quality' clones can have its plus points. You'd tend to develop all kinds tricks that are not stated in manuals and eventually acquire unconventional skills to get them working perfectly. If you can get these working, then you'd likely be able to get any kind of lantern working.
I have fixed up a few of these Chinese PX clones, and invariably they all needed deep cleaning, new seals and adjusting. That said once they were going they worked well, as long as you do not leave them in in the damp as the chrome plating is never the best quality and rust soon appears.