Tilley PL53 opaque globe

I have a PL53 with an opaque globe. Have members seen one before? I’ve hunted online but haven’t found an equivalent, not even on a table lamp. Did Tilley ever fit these? It has no manufacturer markings. It is a fairly rough thing of poor quality - streaky white glass rather than modern etched glass. It seems to be the right size.

 

Very rare.

 

That’s the one. None of these posts or images have the words opaque or frosted in them. Now I know it’s Vitreosil I can see there was discussion here Teardrop globe (= Tilley 182). Thanks for the lead. Does anyone know if Tilley fitted these on the PL53 or was it more likely an aftermarket job?

 

Also, @KenC, look though this thread:

Teardrop globe (= Tilley 182)

Does you glass have a seam?


Cheers

Tony

 

I can’t see a seam. If there is, they did a good job. What does that mean?

 

Not likely on the lantern. Most manufacturers didn't use a fully frosted globe on the lanterns as they tend to be more roughly handled than an indoor type with consequent potential mantle damage and you need to be able to see the mantle to ensure it's sound before lighting to prevent damage to the glass. Mind you the Vitreosil would probably stand a heat spike better than a borosilicate type. ::Neil::
i

 

@KenC

A seam would indicate that the glass was made with a mould, rather than blown.

Tony

 

I agree with your logic but there is this from a March '34 News letter.

 

So! wrong again. Nice to see one fitted. ::Neil::

 

Thanks @Anthony where can I find said newsletters? Incredible how you guys find these things. I’m also wondering what modifications they refer to. The lamp or the glass?

 

@KenC, the newsletters are amongst my Tilley paperwork. There are a few others in the back of the Tilley book and well worth reading.
There was another paragraph in the Dec 1934 letter with some good info.



Also showing your G12 globe.

 

Very interesting globe, how does it look when in use?

 

I’ll let you know when I’ve fettled it. Completely seized and in a bad way with the burner looking like a green furry monster. I’ll report back here.

 

Based on the Bank of England converter, the globe would cost £25 today and the wire basket £1. I shall lavish all my care and attention on that £1 rusty basket rather than forking out for a new one.
What was the original finish on these baskets? Painted or bare metal?

 

An update on this poor lamp. Not a pretty sight. I can’t undo the burner without damaging it I think. So it’ll just be basic corrosion removal with a soft wire brush.

 

@KenC

I think it’s best left in one piece and cleaned.

The flame holes aren’t heavily worn, so it should function well when clean.

I don’t take these burners apart unless it’s really necessary.


Cheers

Tony

 

Another update on this grand PL53. All components were fully glued up by decades old black tar. Blowtorch and nail polish remover needed. The tank and feed tube were also thick with tar as hard as nail polish. I used nail polish remover and marbles to clean it over a couple of days. A perfect result. The vaporiser got the blowtorch treatment and quenching in oil to get the wire out. Then the oil drained out and took the hinge with it. The brass just needed a good wipe. I’ve just tried a Bunsen burn and it works beautifully. Looking forward to seeing it fully functioning inside that rare globe.

 

Its burning nicely now ken time for a mantle and the globe now then ?
Cheers pete

 

It's cleaned up nicely.

 

A couple of final photos showing the vitreosil globe on this PL53.

 

That globe looks great on the PL ken
Never seen this shape of vitrosil on a lamp before nice lamp
Cheers pete

 

That glass looks great, @KenC.


Cheers

Tony

 

I love it.