Hello all, My name is Bart, new in the World of CPL, and i want to share my Graetzin. This one belonged to my grandfather and was used to light up his market stall. Last year when my parents moved, i found it on the attic and they gave it to me. My job is to clean it up. Done much reading on this site but i am nervous taking the fitst stap...
Bart, I assume because you are nervous you do intend to get it working. Doing the research first will keep you out of trouble and you can now turn nervous in cautious. You have probably seen this. E&G - GRAETZIN 915 Having both the inner and outer glass is a big bonus. To have this run well the inner glass is very necessary. Don't be rough on the stuck nuts and bolts. Lubricate and heat. They are actually a very straight forward fettle and a brilliant design. Ask questions here and keep us posted on your progress. Here is mine I got going recently.
Hallo Bart, Welkom op dit forum en gefeliciteerd met je mooie familie erfstuk. I am interested in the box as well the history. I know that these lamps as the pressure donut lamps where used in market stands and where loaned out (hired). It is a world and part of lamp collecting of which is not much known. How many companies operated i which city's with what lamp models. As for your Graetzin 915: 1) please, please, take care of the original globes. They are non replaceable. Unless you also inherited the parts store of your family. 2) send me some pictures of the box with dimensions. Since it is an original purpose made box. 3) let me or us know what you want to do with it. 4) lamp parts are only available when you buy another one. with exception of the original globes. 5) collect your family stories about this lamp history please. What is the company name under which the lending out was done ? I see heavy corrosion on the copper/brass parts as well as a broken lever. As for use, I will give a strange advice here: if you are not a lamp collector but want to preserve this family piece. I would clean it, repair it where it should and electrocute it. This last part , I know, is cursing in the church but may be the best use. hang it as a decorative piece in the living room and fit it with a small led light without damaging the lamp. This is very good possible and then you can show it on family gatherings. Operating it with alcohol is also possible but you should consider how often would you do that if you are not a collector ?
Welcome Bart, what a fantastic lamp! As others have mentioned, take your time to bring this lamp ack to life. Good luck with your project and looking forward to seeing your lamp running. Best wishes from the Scottish Highlands, Stevie
Hello. Excelent lamp, with the original globes!! Does it have the ceramic nozzle? I would not take it apart, I would try to light the lamp as is, just try to operate the valve and if it works try for leakages and if everything is fine, try it on the outside of your home. Only if you don't succeed, then try to fettle it. Juan
Wat een geweldige vondst en welkom hier op het forum Bart ! Please show us some pictures of the first lighting up after you did some restaurationworks ! Thanks Greetz , Tjerk
@Bart Welcome from Queensland Australia As many have already stated, do your research and take your time. I’m sure that you’ll do a marvellous job of the restoration of this lamp. Take heaps of pictures along the way. Good luck with your fettle and I’m looking forward to seeing your photos along the way. Cheers Pete
If you take Wim's advice about electrifying the lamp, PLEASE DON'T DRILL HOLES IN THE LAMP FOR ANY WIRES! Once you do, for the most part, the lamp is ruined! This is just my opinion but I'm sure as collectors none of us want to see this great example ruined!
I beg your pardon? I am ok with 'lekker' as in 'delicious' , whatever you driving at, but I am curious about 'baaie' . Mike P.S. Welcome Bart; you have come to the right place!
Thank you all for the warm welcome and nice words!! I will try to answer each one of your questions but i am gather more information. The great news is that this lamp is one of a pair and they will be together next week!! They both have the Original box,according to my uncle. He told me my grand dad painted the boxes during the War. He used to travel arround with his market stand.Both lamps are in the same condition,complete with the glasses and nozzle. The second one has a small cardboard box with the (don’t know the name of it) things providing the light.I am sure you guys van help me out Thanks again and i will post pictures next week!
I 'spose the (don't know the name of it) are mantles or (in dutch) gloeikousjes? Groetjes en welkom, Wim
If you don't clean and conserve the oxidised parts they will never operate again. And if stored with fuel inside these lines etc will not be clean either.
Conserving is likely part of any restauration, of which the latter is a different goal: trying to bring back the lamp to a condition as if it is still new. I read Juan as not to change the appearance and leave the lamp to look as it does look now, showing her age in dignity. And I wholeheartedly agree. But I am sure we all like to see this lamp conserved for the future in a user state.
Just for the record: Restauration and restorering (for me !) is repairing it so it can be used or bring it in a "can be used state". This can also include paint since otherwise cleaned parts will rust again that is oxidice due to air and/or moisture.
That is fine Wim, but the 're' of restauration indicates a return to an original (like new) state. That said, I believe Juan feels - like I do -this would do the lamp unjust. It is used, it is old, and it is a heirloom, none of that being represented if it were brought back to a like-new condition. Again, you are right in saying this lamp should be preserved against (further) decay. If that would be a process you would call restauration. so be it. Others will call it servicing, and a smear of grease goes a long way to protect most bare metals. Mike
In English, “restauration” is a rather archaic word for restoration. In modern use “restauration” can also mean the provision of food... Either way, restoration classically means “making new again”. Cheers Tony
Tony, I fully agree, if only for preserving a lamp at home, and feeling rejuvenated after time spent in a restaurant. But to return to this topic by Bart, I read only proof how so many of us do enjoy seeing such a lamp coming 'to light' so to speak. It is not common, and it has a very nice tale to tell on top of it. Mike
