Are any of you chaps able to date this lantern ? The pressure gauge release valve on this one, is not featured on CPL, unless I have missed something
This lantern could be from the 60s through to about 1980. I'm not sure when they dropped the 350 model, but believe it lasted for most of the 70s. If the control wheel has the Optimus name on it then it is most likely 60s, otherwise after. Originally the 350 did not have a pressure gauge filler cap as standard as this was only needed on the lamps with a quick starter. Once again I am not sure if the later models had them fitted as standard but it could always be a later replacement or bought as an option.
Thanks Nils The control wheel has Made in Sweden moulded into it. I have got another 350, that has exactly the same gauge filler cap, and control wheel mouldings. Ian
The basic design of these filler caps probably started with Petromax but has been adopted by several manufacturers over the years. There are some differences in finish as well as different stampings on the top cover and different printing on the scale plate.
The gauge filler is a Graetz (Petromax) Patent from 1932. By 1947 it was free of restrictions and many companies copied it. ::Neil::
