G'day all, As feared, after reading a thread elsewhere on CPL, it seems I've been dudded by an Indian ebayer. He listed this lamp as a Petromax and on arrival it is labelled Bentex. I assume it's an Indian or Chinese clone of Radius rather than Petromax? To be honest, I have no idea about Radius or Bentex (most lamps actually )so any information would be appreciated. It states 600cp on the fount and the jet does seem rather large. Radius/Aladdin style vapouriser. The globe is interesting with one piece of the cut glass missing. Fully brass apart from the bail arm. It is a large lamp. I really like the look of the lamp and would be normally happy if I didn't think I'd been dudded.
Matty, Don't be too disappointed, It's still a reasonable looking lamp. And if there is nothing to be found on this forum, them you've made a discovery.
Hello Matty, the build quality of that lantern looks decent and have you checked it with a magnet? I have not heard of that brand before, Jeff.
I can find at least two Bentex companies: 1. The Indian SKN Bentex at http://sknbentex.co.in/ - today producing electrical and gas equipment 2. A lamp manufacturer based in Hong Kong, named Bentex. Their website is infected, so I will not mention it here
It would be nice if we could state a country of manufacturing. Any solid clues after a more thorough look at the pieces? I guess that it's possible/likely that it's Indian, but we need to know for sure so it can be placed in the right place.
Might be an idea to remove the globe cage because sometimes on these lamps you will find a brand embossed in the control casting block. Often this is different to the brand marked on the tank and may give a clue to another maker that we know of and can place. ::Neil::
Those globes are often found on lamps from India. They are just cut strips of window glass in a tin can metal frame. Home made is about right but likely knocked out in many small workshops as a cheap replacement. They work well though so are in fact a clever solution to an otherwise expensive repair. ::Neil::
Neil, So, the cut window glass withstands the heat? Those Indians, you have to hand it to them, they can get on with life as best they can with what is on hand.
Yes. All glass is to a degree heat resistant. The problems come with uneven heat causing stress in the glass. Borisilicate thin glass withstands stress better of course. The thin strips heat individually so heat expansion in one strip does not affect the next and these globes are actually very good for the purpose. ::Neil::
