The top reflector is not only an extremely practical addition. It also gives the world-famous strong light lamp its characteristic appearance.
The reflector focuses the light of the Petromax lamp and reflects it downwards. This gives several advantages at once: If the lamp is mounted in an elevated position, no light is lost upwards. Thus, the lamp illuminates a larger area most effectively. If you look at the Petromax from above, the reflector shade acts as a glare shield.