Optimus 253

Found this old 253 this afternoon.
Bit batteted on top and missing the glass but I am guessing it is an early model based on the filler cap and pricker handle.
The frame itself is also very plain

 

With a 252A glass fitted just for fun

 

Now we all hate you :-) I didn't know that Estonia was the Disneyland of rare lamps...

Congratulations, outstanding lamp!

Nicola

 

I got all this stuff from some antique dealers working out of matket stalls behind the main train station.
Left a few lamps behind for others.

Walking all over town looking for lamps I also saw an old Russian meteor (?) and an old German wartime boxed lamp that needs another visit.

Estonia is only a small place and these lamps were probably still in use until fairly recently. Must be plenty more in old farmhouses and barns

 

Nice find Mark . Congratulations.

 

A fine restoration project!

 

Finally got her going nicely. Got a bit of black mantle but worked out it was a leaky seal on the fount. I assumed it was a too rich mixture but turned out to be opposite.
Globe is of course non-original. Did a deal with a great guy in Korea (lovelantern2014). I swapped a lantern without a globe for it. Thought it was a great deal and so did he. Both winners in the end.
Anyway here are some action shots. It has a mantle from hytta.de which gives a pleasant golden light. Original Optimus are much whiter as you will see later.
We had it on the table for dinner. Romantic light and not too noisy.
Hoop is ok to handle outside at 8 degrees but quickly becomes too hot to touch inside.
It's a beautiful lamp and we are really happy with it. 50 euro well spent.

 

With some friends.
Optimus 300 lamps with optimus and petrolys mantles. White vs golden light.

A bit difficult to see in the photos but very obvious when they are side by side.
Picked up a 3rd 300 this morning, soon will have a really nice display

 

Very nice Mark.

 

Hi Mark,

Congratulation on this superb restoration !

Lovelantern 2014 may be a reasonable alternative to revive a historic lamp, i sometimes order parts at home
the parts and service are excellent.

I think you gave the best for this fantastic lamp
The light is very nice for dinner.

Very sincerely,
Best regards,

Titoo

 

Hello! Where did you find the glass for the Optimus 253?
Thomas Lindblad, Stockholm

 

It is a repro globe from South Korea. I swapped it for another lamp.

 

Very nice. I'm not very knowledgable on Swedish lanterns but that unit of yours certainly looks rare to me.

 

Here is another action shot from a few months back

 

Sweet

 

Tervist...ehk juhatad mind kuidagi selle Korea onu jälgedele?Mul oleks kahte sellist kuplit tarvis...kasvõi ilma kirjadeta.

 

Google Translate:

“Hello...maybe you can somehow guide me in the footsteps of this Korean uncle? I would need two such domes...even without the letters.”

 

@Raibert, try this link AllThatLampParts | eBay Stores

 

If you ever come back to Aberdeen @MarkC just bring that lamp with you and I’ll be happy to swop some Tilley bits for it. Love it!