Mr Postie brought this to me today (bought off Ebay for £19.00). A few dings in the tank but otherwise seems OK. I've not cleaned it, just a wipe over to remove the dust. It has 2214 stamped on the base. This is my first German lamp and I'm looking forward to learning how they work.
Great find! It needs a good clean up, but it should restore to working order and those are bright lanterns. They are noisy though and it's best to use them in a shed or outside, because if they are used in a heated room then the tanks become rather hot. I also fit a meths cup, it's good to have that option, just in case the rapid pre heating torch fails, Jeff.
Good lamps. Well done. Clean it a little check for leaks and pressure it up. If this goes well light here. I am always amazed when such an old lantern "simply" light up and functions without a problem. They perform the best on shows: a dirty, old busted lantern that lights as it never will stop. If you need help let me know. Two weeks ago I got a petromax from a work colleague of my brother. Cleaned the air chamber oiled the pump leather mouted a mantle gave it a new globe, the old one was broken due to a branch that grew inside it and lighted it up. Btw : 2214 would be : 22 week, 1961, 4 day of the week when made during the sixties. But the lantern has some adoptions from Px lamps....
Thanks for the dating Wim, I was wondering how old it might be. I'm going to give it a tidy up and then give it a go once I've got some mantles. I'll post some update pictures as I progress. Regards, Terry
Wim. 1961 cannot surely be right for that Aida. It has a 1964 patent pre heater torch. I am sure Graetz did not fit that part before they applied for the patent. ::Neil::
Could 2214 mean week 22, day one and the year 1964 instead? It sounds more logical with the last year indicating the year than the second last.
Looking a little better after a clean up. Although the lamp appeared a bit shabby, it all appears to be in good order, even the pump leather was nicely oiled. Just waiting for some mantles. Regards, Terry
That might make sense but it depends on when the year started. That rocker valve was patent DE1228575 applied for 22 Oct 1964. Graetz were not foolish enough to use a device before the application was registered so that valve was made and fitted after October 1964. ::Neil::
Terry, have you ordered your mantles yet? If so how did you know which type were the correct ones? I am at the same point you were a few months ago with my Aida. Yours sure cleaned up nice!
Hi Chef. I bought some Coleman 1111 500cp as they were cheap! Used one on a Hipolito and it was fine. Not been able to use one on the Aida yet as I managed to knacker the NRV . Regards, Terry
Nice lamp Terry, I also need some mantles for that type of lamp. Does anyone know if we can get "Peerless" mantles in UK? I would really like to try some. I have an almost new Anchor that I want to light and also another old Anchor that is a real "User" lamp. Steve.
Well, it took me over a year, but I finally got the lamp up and running. New NRV and a spirit cup from Basecamp, new seal on the pump cap/gauge, new pip on the pre-heater plus a Coleman 1111 mantle and away she went. A little pulsing for the first minute or two, then settled down. Ran for an hour with no pressure loss so I think she's good to go . Terry
