Etablissement Du Val D'or

Val d'Or logo in yellow with stylized letters and two curved lines above and below the text

History of Outillage Val d'Or

Outillage Val d'Or was a renowned French manufacturer of tools that also produced hurricane lanterns in its early years. The name Val d'Or first appeared in newspapers around 1918, initially as Ateliers Val d'Or, located at 49 rue du Mont-Valérien in Saint-Cloud, near Paris.

Company Evolution

1923: The company changed its name from Etablissement Ch. Goujon to Etablissement du Val d'Or.

1926: Advertisements in newspapers highlighted their focus on tools, including hand drills, which were prominently featured in catalogs and marketing materials.

1930: The name transitioned to Outillage Val d'Or, signaling a stronger identity as a tool manufacturer.

Strategic Partnerships and end of lantern production.

In 1930, Outillage Val d'Or announced a collaboration with Société Métallurgique du Rhin (trading as Métarhin). Both companies specialized in hand drills and joined forces to compete against foreign manufacturers. This partnership also aimed to develop electric drills, which were emerging at the time.

By 1928, Outillage Val d'Or discontinued the production and sale of hurricane lanterns , as these fell outside the mechanical tools category. The lantern production was taken over by Société Industrielle de Ferblanterie (SIF).


In 1933, Outillage Val d'Or publicly called for a boycott of German manufacturers due to aggressive dumping practices, which reduced prices by 30%, destabilizing the market.

From the 1930s onward, Outillage Val d'Or increasingly focused on electric tools, and the company likely remained active until the 1960s.


Vintage metal oil lamp with protective wire cage and glass enclosure showcasing the classic design of Dietz lamps

The Val d'Or hurricane lanterns

Val d'Or produced one main hurricane lantern model in several variations, as well as a small skater’s lantern. Production likely occurred between 1900 and 1928, based on limited catalog evidence.

Models

  • Type A: Standard model, fully steel construction.
  • Type B: Same as Type A, but with a copper base on the reservoir.
  • Type C: Enhanced version with copper base, chimney cover, and tank cap.
  • Skater’s Lanterns: I have seen two different models of this: one with a beautifully decorated base and one with a protective cage around the glass.

After 1928, these lanterns were sold under the SIF brand, with:

  • Val d'Or Type A → SIF 500 (common model)
  • Val d'Or Type C → SIF 501 (rare model)

A catalog from Union Industrielle et Commerciale d'Articles d'Éclairage, likely dated between 1928 and 1930, lists these models as 500 and 501.
Vintage Val d’Or oil lamp with protective metal frame and glass chimney shown in detailed illustration.

SIF took over the lantern production

After 1928, these lanterns were sold under the SIF brand, with:

  • Val d'Or Type A → SIF 500 (common model)
  • Val d'Or Type C → SIF 501 (rare model)

A catalog from Union Industrielle et Commerciale d'Articles d'Éclairage, likely dated between 1928 and 1930, lists these models as 500 and 501.

Val d'Or Type A

Shown below is the Val d’Or Type A, a truly magnificent example. One of its most striking features is the unique glass globe, beautifully marked with the Val d’Or logo. Characteristic for the Val d’Or lanterns is the brass screw cap on the top, which allows easy access for cleaning the internal components. The fuel tank cap is also made of brass, adding to the overall quality and craftsmanship of the lamp.

Vintage brass oil lamp with lit flame and glass chimney on a rustic white and brown metal table

Skater’s Lantern

Skater’s Lantern: A small brass lantern with an intricately designed base.
Antique brass oil lamp with glass chimney and wire handle standing on a wooden surface against a neutral background

Skater’s Lantern

Skater’s Lantern: With a protective cage around the glass.

Sources

Many sources were used for this research. If you have any questions or comments about the information above, please feel free to get in touch.

  • Delcampe.net – Old invoices
  • gallica.bnf.fr – Historical newspaper articles
  • retronews.fr – Historical newspaper articles
  • Inpi.fr – Patent records
  • Geneanet – Genealogical information