Hello everybody, here is a lucky and beautiful addition to my primary collection, just got home: a 300CP lantern by Società Fornelli Benz Milano. When I first saw the only bentz lamp in the gallery I told myself that I had to find one, but it looks like these lamps are very rare. In fact 2 days ago, after months of research on local listings, I found this Bentz, never seen before, totally unexpected. This lamp is in outstanding conditions, without any dent, mark or scratch.... just a great patina. The thing I like more is the original design, not the usual lamps that look all the same. To note the filler cap and pump built together and the air release screw by itself on the tank. The build quality is very high, parts are solid and fits together perfectly, especially the inner hood that reminds me the style of Continental lamps. The alcohol cup is very thick, just look at it... the holes are hand made, this is clearly visible from the inside of the hood... the proportions are very nice and I love the style of the body. For comparison I've put it side by side to a Petromax 826. Because it's just arrived I can't say much about performance, needle is broken but it looks a standard Petromax one. Hopefully you can enjoy it by looking at these pictures. Nicola
Just noticed an error in the post title. If any mod can remove the "t" from Bentz... it should be Benz. Nicola
What a great set of images for this rare lamp. Another one for me to list because I did not know of this one. ::Neil::
Hi Neil, thanks. It was new to me too, in fact I wrote bentz and not benz everywhere, if you or any mode can fix the text I'd be thankful. It's always nice to find something you've never seen before, but it doesn't happen too often unfortunately... Anyway, "Società fornelli Benz Milano" means "The stove company Benz Milano"... so I guess there should be more to discover about this company, especially stoves, but I've never found one yet. Nicola
I am just looking at this company and the brand registration above is most interesting. I can understand most of the Italian but is the top line the name of the company or just it just mean a manufacturer of Milan and can anyone unravel the name of the representative at the bottom please. ::Neil::
Hi Neil, The document says: “the Italian company” “Benz”, so Benz is the registered name for the factory that produces the stoves, kitchens, heaters and as we know lamps too. In fact on the lamps collar we find: Società Fornelli “Benz” Milano. So only “Benz” is the company name, the rest of the words just say what and where. This factory is represented/controlled by another company that is the “Ditta Calvani Salvi and Veronelli”. I have searched for these names and it seems that this company still exists: https://www.overplace.com/calvani-salvi-e-veronelli-srl That term “Ditta” in Italy is used to indicate a simple company of one person or a small company of a group of persons, like it was in this case. Today the company is an S.r.l, that should be like a Ltd company in UK. I hope is clear. Nicola
Obviously the factory “Benz” was located in Milan, as well the company that registered its name and brand. Nicola
Hi Neil, You are very welcome and thanks to you for keeping your beautiful book continuously updated with all these precious information. It’s a pleasure to help you when possible. Nicola
I have just acquired one of these Benz lanterns through the good offices of Wim for which many thanks. It is in very nice condition and everything seems clean and in good working order. So I fired it up and it runs quite well with a fully involved mantle. It's a bit yellowish but looks OK so I dug out the meter and it measures an eyewatering 24cp. I suspect it needs a new jet. ::Neil::
