Just came across this on YouTube. Hopes were high at the beginning, until the shot blaster came out on the hood. Two of the most vital seals weren’t changed, then the pump leather was installed dry, that would explain the frantic pumping and lack of pressure. The pump clamp seal and brass washer being installed the wrong way around probably didn’t help either. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching these videos and seeing things cleaned and brought back to life. This just didn’t quite hit the mark, more of a shelf piece than a working lamp. I was a little surprised to see it being lit at the end. The video description also reads that this lamp was used during WW2 as a ships navigation lamp. I think whoever sold this fellow the lamp was telling tales seeing as it dates well after WW2.
Saw it when it came out, it would look alright on a shelf but as soon as he lit it I knew it wouldn't last long. Gave him a few tips in the comments.
Well that's one thoroughly f*&%ed up Tilley! I lost count of the horrors after a while and started to cry :-(
Totally restored......don't you mean totally ignored...... A lot of time, effort and cost has gone into this but a total naivety of actually how these lamps work.
Ship navigation lamp, huh... WW II, huh...? This is what you call, "going to hell in a hand basket!" I hope he carries a lot of insurance!
Yeah, a ship's navigation light in WW2 - which clearly went on for another 15 years in some parts of the world...
Sure, this might be intended just as an ornament and Tilley X246s are hardly rare, but still, that's a shocking way to treat a piece of vintage equipment.
Guys, Give him a little break. He was probably only making some effort for the video to turn a weary looking piece back into something more visually appealing. Fettling these items is just not everyone's cup of tea.. A little shock perhaps, for hardcore collectors-fettlers
No, he describes it as a "restoration" - by definition that means returning it to a former condition. Then, towards the end, he lights it so it's not for cosmetic purposes at all. Then he makes things worse by posting it on YouTube as an exemplar of how a Tilley should be restored! And then, at the end he has the temerity to ask folk to send more stuff to him for his version of 'restoration' - FFS!! Anyway, it just needs 'Yakety-Sax' playing behind it to make it the complete joke it is. For maximum effect, click on the pic and then scroll up to his video clip and you'll see what I mean...
With all due respect to MYN and others who are OK giving this guy the benefit of the doubt, I have to agree with David. There are bound to be people who will watch this video and mistakenly think it's perfectly OK to treat an old pressure lamp this way. If you don't know better, I guess this looks OK and the lamp ends up looking shiny and attractive after he's finished with it, so to the uninitiated, what's the problem? It really worries me that others will copy this, that's all.
Just in case anyone missed it, just to bug you even more. 12 minutes 25 seconds in, when you see the hood sat on top of the handles retaining clips. Despite him giving it a firm push at 12 minutes.
Shows how to disassemble well, then goes on to how to abuse. Not sure how many seals were fitted and mantle only top tied, hence tubular and not a glowing globe. I’ve seen worse, especially ones on lighting them.
He includes this: ‘Disclaimer: I am no professional. Especially when it comes to electrics. It is certainly an area I am looking to improve in. I am completely self-taught and would appreciate any feedback, advice or constructive criticism.’ Perhaps we invite him to join?
The inclusion of Yakety-Sax is an absolute must. Oh no!...this is...a furore here. Horrific. Wow! Well, at least the above might make us a little more forgiving?
