Correct. Thats how we stay undisclosed These lightkits was part of the material dimensioning the invasion defence after second world war and throughout the cold war. A lot of this stockpile was never used and has been auctioned in lots over the last decades - thus demolishing the market for vendors still alive.
Very nice Håvar, these sets are very well put together. Is it with the Optimus 1350 or 1550? It's interesting to see this one as it has almost the last variation of this model of lamp. That would make it from the 1980s. I believe they started making these kits in the 1950s and they remained virtually unchanged all that time. It is also interesting to see that the lamps have the red enamell tops. Previously all the Optimus lamps used in these sets had a nickel plated top hat. I'll add a couple of pictures of my set with Optimus 350 lamps. I believe mine to be from the late 60s or early 70s. Notice the nickel tops instead of the standard red enamell and they used old Høvik Verk made Primus spirit cans to use up stocks.
The kit will remain in storage until the first weekend in August, when I will be able to pick it up attending a wedding in that area. Its a long wait, and right now I cannot be sure if the content of the case is 100% identical to my photage. It is however what I expect to find. All I know is that is is complete with unused Optimuses. I will try to get a pic of the actual case.
I managed to get a pic of the actual lamps. Not quite what I expected, and obviously they have been lit. Still happy and excited Being a novice I could not say what make these unmatched pair are, except they resemble my Primus 1082 HV and Optimus 1550.
From what I can see in the photo, the left one is definitely a HV 1082 of the first variation. The right hand one looks like the last variation of the Optimus 300P. They were made around 1956, give or take a year. Now I am wondering whether this could be an early kit. As far as I know, the first ones were fitted with two HV 1082's or Optimus 300P's. As I mentioned before, I have only seen the Optimus lamps fitted with a nickel top for the Norwegian military. Maybe they had a bunch of kits in for service at some time and things got mixed up.
Thanks Nils. Yes the left looks identical to my 1082 (HV 1952). The right one I guess will stay more of a puzzle until I get my own hands/eyes on them in august. The lamps was brought to the marrying coupple's farm yesterday. I did not want to bother them with more than a picture. So - I now own 4 lamps. One or two of them will have to go, but will be gifts for selected family members and/or friends that I know will put them to use. The case will remain in my shed. I find great pleasure in the engeneering, craftmanship, history, fettling and atmosphere these lamps bring to light. Then - my darling wife insists that I already own enough stoves to make an impact on global warming. Although denied, she ofcourse is right. I may be looking out for more lamps as giweaway as we go (spread the virus). It is the best of both worlds: I get to enjoy the hunt in addition to all the above + I get the pleasure of giving away something sought of that can outlive yet another generation. The 1082 HV gives me the wibes- I live 5 min from Høvik. It will be hanging from a three out on the archipelagos on midsummers eve, assisting our minds come to peace. Have a nice summer y'all! Haavar
