Hi all! Found this pretty, but kind of shabby looking 1550. Any way to date this one? Not used for at least 35 years and that's about all I know of this lamp. How difficult would it be to test the functionality? Is is just a matter of fitting a screen, adding some lamp oil and try the pump?
Hi Rasmus. If it has been standing for 35 years the rubber seals will be a little tired. You can get a seal kit from Servicesats till Optimus 550 & 1550 You could put some oil on the pump leather and see if it holds pressure. If it does then putting the lantern in a bucket of water shows the leaks up if there are any. This lantern has a non-return valve at the bottom of the pump tube, and it has a rubber seal at the bottom of the fuel pipe, which is activated by the control wheel. It will clean up nicley I think and you can carefully unbend the top cap. You want a 500CP mantle and you should use paraffin (kerosine) not lamp oil as fuel. You will need some meths (Alcohol) to light it if using the preheater dish at the bottom. There will be another seal in the rapid pre-heater as well and also the fuel cap. good luck Chris
That's a nice 1550 you have found. It is most likely from the early 1960s. Chris has given some good advice. Basically, replace all the rubber seals and oil the pump leather (if it is still there and not broken).
Thanks guys! I'll look into it some more, see what shape all the innards are in. Good trick with a water bucket for leak-check
