Hi guys, how are you doing? I'm new to this fascinating world, and this is my first post, so please forgive me if my question is dumb. I snatched a Petromax Rapid 829 in an internet auction here in Brazil Tried to obtain information on it, date, whether it was working, but the gentleman from the auction place wasn't willing to help. It looked like it was in a nice condition, so I decided to go for it, because it was like a third of the price of a new Chinese Petromax here. Turns out it says "Germany", and has 6 digits on the bottom part of the font. So it is chinese, right? I just got it (sorry it is still dirty) and tried to see if it had all the parts and would hold pressure, but then I realised the pump sticks out, it won't go all the way in to allow me to secure it in the recess on the base. Do you guys have any idea why? Is it a Frankenlamp - assembled using parts from various lamps? Are there different sizes of pump shafts, across petromax models/years, or different pump units? Is there a way to date this lamp, so that, if needed, I can buy the correct pump unit, or shaft? I took a look inside the pump tube, there isn't anything obstructing the way. I can see the check valve. I even removed it to see if it was stuck in the middle of the way or something like that, but it seems ok. Thank you guys a lot!
@Gabriel Abe Welcome in the forum The complete pump,including the pump cover , is not from Petromax. Parts from current production will fit your Petromax. Everything else you can see is original. I recommend ordering a new pump and a complete sealkit for the 829.The lampwas manufactured in China after 2000.I haven' yet been able to decipher the 6-digit serial number of the Chinese Petromax to determine, among other things,the year of manufacture.##Reinhard##
Thank you a lot! That takes a lot of the guesswork away! As for quality control, reliability, whether it is worth investing in it and etc, it is hit or miss, right?
I can say it is a hit. The build quality is good. I have owned one and it was really good. You need to change the rubber pip in the NRV and also the lead washer there. Also change of the ones for the shut off valve to the lower carburetor part.
Thank you guys a lot for the help and warm welcome. This next question might upset some folks, since the OG petromax only came in chrome plated finish, but since mine is not the og, but a chinese one, have any of you ever removed the chrome plated and turned one of those into a brass finish one? I've heard muriatic acid will do the trick. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm desecrating an otherwise healthy lantern, but I'm a sucker for the vintage(er) look of the brass finish, and you only live (and buy a petromax my side of the pond) once
Reinhard….how can you tell the lantern was made in China after 2000? Is there a reference guide to the serial numbers that would help a new guy like me.? I’m sure the one I’m trying to restore is Chinese. I would like to be more knowledgeable in case I run across an old lantern that might have actually been made in Germany. Thanks
@chopperjohn and all All Petromax lanterns with a six-digit number on the tank were manufactured in Asia.In 2000,F.Heinze ( Geniol ) moved production from Portugal to China; until production in Portugal ended, the numbers were four digits long. Another reliable distinguishing feature is the sun with 11 rays in the Petromax Logo. Petromax lanterns from Germany , West-Germany, and Portugal always features 10 rays.
Thanks! My smaller project (150cp) is definitely Chinese. The larger lantern is an Adia. It has a 4 digit serial number. Does this indicate that it was made in Portugal? Did F. Heinze make both Petromax & Adia? Are their parts interchangeable? The plating on the tank is worn on the bottom edges. It appears to be brass. Would it be? Or just brass plated? Thanks in advance for your time and help
What is the 4-digit number ? It could have been manufactured in West-Germany ( Altena ) or in Portugal ( Torres Vedras ). Yes , in Portugal, F.Heinze had several brands manufactured by Hipolito; they differed in appearance but not in terms of technology.The parts are interchangeable.These were all brass lamps , most of them nickel-plated.
For me , this clearly means ; 35th week of 1980, manufactured by Hipolito in Portugal . Can you show a pic please ?
