Hi All, A friend of mine recently bought a Coleman 214 lantern and it was shipped to him in a box that had originally contained a Valor 500 Paraffin Pressure Lantern. From the shape of the ventilator on the box, I suspect it is related to the Dolphin stoves & lanterns that were produced here in South Africa. Dolphin was acquired by Cadac and the product line discontinued. Don't know about the Valor connection; maybe someone can enlighten us?
Not Dolphin. That is a rebadged Apex Olympic lantern. It does have a Dolphin like hood and burner and was a CADAC product. Very interesting though as I have up to now never had any hint that a Valor Pressure lamp of any persuasion existed. ::Neil::
Shinzo Kono has some photographs of the Apex Marathon and Olympic as well as the Dolphin Firelight on his site: http://www.geocities.co.jp/Outdoors-River/8607/TEMPO29.html#2005070419 I think the left most lantern is the type that was in the box. I recall seeing one advertised on auction locally some months ago but did not make the association at the time.
I started to look into this to find a connection between CADAC and Valor. I can't find any info to link the two companies but then I found I already knew of this lamp because it is listed in the PLC. I should perhaps read my own book now and then. One example is known. Image and lamp here both owned by Deon Bouwer in South Africa. ::Neil::
I know that Valor, Beatrice and Perfection appliances were distributed in South Africa by Laurel who are now owned by Engen who used to be Mobil... I'd like to get in contact with Deon if he is interested. Perhaps he'd like to have the box, or perhaps I'd like the lantern to put into it
Update: Out of the blue I was given one of the above lanterns, not sure which branding, by an acquaintance last night. I still have to fetch it, but I know the fount is a bit rusty, and the fuel cap, bail and glass are missing. :o Talk about serendipity!
That is a nice score. These are not common lanterns at all. They were only sold in SA and given that are all steel tend to be rust prone and I suspect the survival rate is poor. ::Neil::
If anyone wants a Valor 500, I know the whereabouts of one for sale in apparently good order. As a clue, it's in South Africa.
