Saw this on eBay and gave into the minimum offer ($49.99). I guess it's mine now! I've been waiting for one of these "classic" models based on the discussions regarding the more contemporary offerings from Tilley. It sounds like it will need a new globe, but that can happen in time... I MUST STOP for a while since the car needs new brakes!
Don't mind the car! As long as it runs, it's OK. The brakes are secondary, and to spend the money on an old Tilley instead only show good sense of priority. It looks good, that old Guardsman, from what you can see on that image. The hood looks like it's unusually well preserved.
Hi Al congratulations on your first Guardsman lamp this model realy is a well made lamp better than the 246B stormlight i have one of each and at present restoring my Guardsman,i noticed not only does the Guardsman tank look so much better it is heavier so it is made of a thicker gauge brass making it more robust i all so like the control cok and pump being made of brass and the valve/cleaning needle knob is a better design than the newer246B overall in my opinion the Guardsman(246)is a far better lamp
Thank you Mr. Optimus! I can't really afford to have duplicate lanterns, so I decided that it would be an early-model Guardsman or nothing at all. I'll probably sell two of my redundant/non-essential Coleman lanterns to make room in the garage. I just picked up a 171 globe from a seller on ebay.co.uk, so now I just wait for boxes in the mail! Can you tell me what the "Made In ???" is about?
Made in E.E.C. refers to the European Economic Community. Although that globe will fit and work perfectly well in your X246 Guardsman, it isn't the correct one for a lantern of that age. There are three different versions of the Tilley 171 globe which have a different depth 'dish' at the bottom. Earlier lanterns such as yours came fitted with a deep-dish globe. Later lanterns came fitted with a shallow dish globe, which your replacement almost certainly will be. Neil has shown a nice photograph of the three globes side-by-side and I bet it's on here somewhere. Beyond that, I've no idea of the exact dates of issue of each of the three types or what model(s) they were fitted to... Edit - I see I've crossed with Wim's post - I should learn to type quicker..!
I noticed that, but decided a functional globe was better than no globe at all for a beginning. I'll be keeping my eye out for a globe that better represents the age of the lantern. It appears that I have a hobby now...
Here's my version of it:- Earliest on the left; latest (EEC) on the right. There's not a huge difference between the one in the middle and the one on the right - you really need to see them together to make the comparison. There is, however, a marked difference between those two and the early one which can be clearly seen in the image. What's wrong with the one on the lantern you've shown, Al?
David, The seller reported that the globe was already cracked, and warned that it might not survive the mailing process. I elected to replace it straight away.
Looks like a 1950-54 guardsman, which i believe are probably the best of the bunch. You have a nice lantern there, enjoy.
The X246 Guardsman has been revived! (I can't call it "restored" since there is a lot of polishing to do still.) The SP1 gasket kid did the trick with the new pump leather and gaskets to keep the pressure and fuel in the pump. A normal pre-heat, a wiggle or to of the jet cleaner, and FLAME ON! Very happy. I'm waiting for the EEU globe to arrive so that I can put the cracked-but-original globe out of harms way. Photo of my latest baby:
Hi Al! Thats a stunning X246! It gives off a great light! You must be chuffed to bits! Well done! Adam
Hello AL, it's a well built and reliable lantern and it's good to see it restored to working order! Jeff.
Hello, I have 3 stiles of 171 globes. The one on the right is probably the oldest. About 1946 - 1950. Hope this helps. Maurice
