Been on the road for four hours today collecting. Nice to out and about for a change. Collected the Optimus 200 first, and while there was offered "a 1970's Coleman with no glass". Super surprise, turned out to be Ex British Army, in good condition dated 2/83 on base of fount. Of course it came home with the Optimus. Next stop, a pair of Petromax 826/350Cp Lanterns in their boxes. Very pleased with these, the 826 is a nice lantern. These are both stamped 3182 on the base of the fount and have all the original instructions, filler bottles and spares pack with them. Super Saturday, now haven't had one of those for a while! Sticker reads "This item is B.E.R." In English it means it has been sentenced "Beyond Economical Repair" by the MOD Workshop at Bicester.
Nice haul, I’ll let you know if mine was a super Saturday when/if it arrives next week and in what condition.
I had a Vapalux so-stickered which, IIRC, I got from Ross. The fault? - the pump-rod was bent about 3 degrees from straight. It took one gentle tap with a hammer against a flat surface and about 30 seconds of my time to correct. Total cost - £0.00...
As with so much kit that has been auctioned off from the Military from Land Rovers, tents, stoves and lanterns. It has always vexed me that I could buy better standard military kit on the open market than I was actually serving with, tentage being the best example.
You have returned from the hunt with a good swag of bootie. Well done, lots of fettling enjoyment to be had. Enjoy Pete
