I’d told myself I have enough to be working on and I’d make no more new acquisitions now until 2021. But then someone lists a Bialaddin Bowl Fire for £20, what’s a guy to do! A previous owner had tried to respray the guard with silver paint when all it needed was a good clean. Most of the paint was already flaking so a bit of wire wool action sorted that. New set of seals and a quick polish of the reflector and away it goes. Really impressed with it compared to my R1, so much more heat. Makes me wonder if there’s an issue with the R1 or is the Bowl Fire really just so much better? Will maybe strip/paint the font at some point as the paintwork is patchy in places, but it will certainly do the job this winter.
That heater looks fantastic. I saw an identical one without its guard and covered in rust going for £30 at the local reclamation yard, so you’ve done well. Perfect for New Years Eve in the garden?...
Did you take on the reclamation challenge Alex? The best bargains are always to be had when people don’t really know what they are selling, or at least the current value. I do feel a bit guilty at the time but I couldn’t afford to do as many of these projects if they come at eBay prices.
No reclamation challenge. I don’t think there is a ‘right’ price which applies everywhere. Online you have a much wider audience and so prices are inflated. But it you can afford it, then go for it. The average reclamation place knows they’d never sell those old lamps if they were priced too high. They aim for turnaround and quick profit, even if it’s lower than they could make online. They just don’t have time to take photos, advertise and follow the sale, with posting etc... so everyone’s a winner.
I need to explore my local sources when we’re allowed out again. This has only been a lockdown hobby thus far. Looking forward to broadening my horizons!
Things will improve next year with the vaccines being deployed, but we’ll still be wearing masks for a good while I reckon. Still, we’ll be able to go round shops and junk yards as normal!
