Not too long ago I saw an Astarte 200HK on eBay and was planning to bid on it before the auction was pulled by the seller. Does anyone know anything about these italian lamps? Does anyone have one they would part with? HD
It's a typical Italian copy of a petromax 821 or an Optimus 200, it seemed well enough made and I like those little lamps. The control wheel was marked 'Swedius' and the font was engraved with what I thought was 'Starte', but with the help of Matty and Christer it was finally identified as an Astarte, but that's all I know about it. It was cute and unusual and those are the lamps I like.
Astarte is listed in the PLC. Not sure for how lo;ng its been there though. I only have a 300 cp listed so this seems to be a model I had no knowledge of. Did you manage to capture any images? ::Neil::
The listing is still available: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/lampada-a-petrolio-/111977481975 Hmm... perhaps I looking at this one with rose tinted spectacles, it looked better when I was after it.
Hi, I have an astarte 200 and an astarte 300, the 300 is more rare in my opinion. The only 300 I've found is the one I have. If any of you need help to find an astarte lamp I can help... they appear sometimes here in Italy. Cheers, Nicola
I'm still using a printed version from 2001. I know you've sent me a later version on-line, Neil, but I think that must be on a computer about three changes ago...
Yes you can buy the PLC on PDF. It is a work in progress which is always being added to but now and then I make an up to date PDF and allow people to buy a copy. Currently running to about 215 pages. Cost you US$20. Send me a PM with your email address and we can do a deal. ::Neil::
Best to check with me before you buy! My budget for lamps is tight and often spent before I know it! Ellie
So, lately I've found another 2 Astarte 200 and now I have 4 of them. The interesting thing is that all of them have some parts that are different, so I don't have 2 completely identical. The interesting thing that I discovered by talking with the grandson of one of the owners is that the Astarte 200 was part of the equipment of his grandfather, that was in the Arma dei Carabinieri in the '50 (italian police, gendarmerie). This special model of Astarte 200 doesn't have any Astarte marking on the lamp hood or tank (the tank is marked 200HK, nothing more), but it has the Astarte word on the fuel cap and on the globe. Fortunately the lamp was complete with a paper folder containing the tool to operate on the lantern and a brass little alcool container for the pre heating. I will post some pictures as soon as I can. EDIT For what I know also another lamp by a different manufacturer (PETROFLAM) was in the equipment of the Arma dei Carabinieri. Same exact tank, same plastic wheel, but on the hood there is a label reporting the PETROFLAM brand. I found one on sale but I did not buy it yet... Nicola
Astarte comes from ancient Greek mythology, and she was something like the goddesh of the moon and light and therefore also the mother and center of the universe. Nice name and background for a pressurelamp . I have only seen them rarely in Spain and Italy, WEB. My list says they are made by the company, Astarte, in Italy and the name of the lamp is obviously the same. Claus C
Yes always in need of images. They provide the evidence for inclusion in the PLC and make for a very handy reference when I get asked to ID a lamp which tends to happen quite often. ::Neil::
