©AWMoore 2007
Bismar Pressure lanterns are provided by Jivaji Kasamji, 1094 Budhwar Peth, Near Datta Mandir, Pune, in India. This family company provides Eveready products, torches, batteries and bulbs, Bismar Stoves, and Bismar "Petromax" style pressure lanterns for use with kerosene. The company was established in 1914, and the owner initially worked with Petromax supplying imported lanterns. Later, in 1934, the firm became involved with Eveready, and the National Carbon Company in India. The Bismar registered trademark (185459) is owned by the family, and products are only available from the shops in Pune. They are made by National Stove Industries in Bombay.
The example Bismar lantern I have is a very well made version of the Petromax, in full plated brass, for use only with kerosene. Mr Kasamji tells me the brand name was taken by his grandfather from the German battleship "Bismark"
One of the Bismar range, the box and the lantern.
Dr Alan Moore and Mr Jivaji Kasamji
Philips, Silvania and Silvex pressure lanterns
Mr Kasamji's shop in Laxmi Road, Pune
Mr Kasamji has a wide range of spares for lanterns and stoves, and anyone visiting Pune should make an effort to go to his shop in the Tulsi Bag area, Laxmi Road. It is a treasure trove for lantern enthusiasts, and you may be invited to see some old products, such as a German AIDA lantern, and some Coleman military stoves.
References:
I am extremely grateful to Mr Jivaji Kasamji of Pune, India, for providing this information, and for his friendly welcome to the shop in Pune. I am also grateful for the information given confirming the presence of National Carbon in India during the 1930s.
To contact me please go to the mail page.
