This is my Tilley BR49 lantern dated November 1960. Bought this several years ago from a gent in the UK. I haven't gotten around to doing anything with it yet. Moving some stuff around in the garage and I came across it.
Oh yes, based on the color, that yellow painted fount, it looks like the last owner was British Southern Rail. One of our train enthusiasts will correct me if I'm wrong.
@george That’s a very nice one. I like the colours, yellow fount and brown vent and it looks to be in very good order. It must be good to root around in your garage and find stuff like this. Have you lit it yet? I have one that’s of the same pattern, but dressed as the standard model. It has the deep dish 171 glass globe. This is my example ..... built June 1958 Cheers Pete
@AussiePete Pete, I like your example better than mine. I like the chrome fount. Did the railroad acquire these with the chrome tank? I know these were also sold to the "public" as well as the railroad. I figured these were for the public. I don't think the railroad would go to that expense when it came to a chrome tank. I don't know a lot about these lanterns. I assume the tanks were painted various colors to denote the different rail lines. These are sharp looking lanterns and a bit hard to find with that lighter. The lighter can be a real bitch if you don't take your time lighting it. Once you get the hang of it, it's a nice option!
@george I agree with your thoughts, I suspect with the black enameled hood and the speculum (chrome looking) finish that mine was a public issue and was shipped, by Tilley, to Australia as such. I found when lighting her, if I take my time and don’t rush the preheating stage, it works a treat. The key is patience ...... They’re a neat lamp to have. Cheers Pete
@AussiePete To date this is one fact I am unable to confirm. Definitely on my wish list. Regards Jeremy
@george I like the colours on the Lantern, Crimson Lake and Cream (slang - Blood and Custard). This was the British Railways paint scheme from the 1950's onward.
@george That’s a great lamp and looks to be in good condition, I think the cream and red ones are nicer than the plated ones....
Fine examples and the link below shows the paperwork for them, just scroll down the page a bit. https://classicpressurelamps.com/threads/1955-tilley-cat.421/
Very impressive lamps, gents. They look like museum pieces to me. I’d love to see sequence photos, or a video if your very own method to light them with the preheater. I taught myself how to use one thanks to Pete’s replies, but it would be good to see another working now!
@AussiePete Yes, Pete, I have lit it sometime ago. From what I can remember it is a great runner. Had to master that damn lighter, though. I finally got it worked out. Great lantern!
