This E41 with brass top was offered for sale in the Netherlands 2 weeks ago. Provenance does not go further back as being bought by seller in Limburg, the most southern dutch province that was liberated for the most part in the fall of 1944, so perhaps left there - or stolen - by or from the passing RAF. Just a possible scenario, nothing conclusive. Many people like 'bling' and this lamp's grey paint fell victim to this desire, and the lamp shows traces of Brasso or similar throughout. Either the original handle was missing, or the original galvanised steel item was not considered posh enough, as some effort went into the brass replacement that unfortunately looks too thin. Considering this lamp further complete and original, the fuel cap has no markings and no split pin inside. The glas with Pyrex mark.... is thick enough to capture some air. The brass top has most of the information about this lamp stamped into it proclaiming it property of the Air Ministery. Other information is about a pending patent, for the collar that allowed better positioning in relation to the control knob; this patent was appearantly granted in july 1941, suggesting this lamp was made before that date. With a brass band around the asbestos wick, that metal was still not seen as overkill for such a simple task, but soon was taken over by a simple and cheap steel wire or staple. The generator has horizontal marking, and reads: Pat No 5378-92 The tank shows hexagon nut-like inserts as to provide purpose for the 3 brass screws that hold tank and collar together. Some rough soldering might be responsible for a rock solid spindle of the control knob. the motive for this 'repair' a questionmark. The traces of hamfisted gripping is seen too often, but not alarming. This lamp has a fine, not so well defined knurling on handle nuts, brass pricker control knob and pump knob. The latter two are typical for this early E41 afaik, that were replaced by the well known maroon plastic knob and a less bulky model with a concave face respectively. As this lamp has been used not too long ago, given the presence of a used mantle, it is no surprise that no red seals were found. But the only real search is for an original handle or bail with the right, half-round shape that was furnished with all the Vapaluxes till 1946 when an ogee-shaped model was introduced. The bottom of this E41 shows nothing remarkable, which this photo should illustrate.
A very very nice lamp. Sadly this model is currently missing from my collection, but I’m hopeful of finding one some day...
Gary, as stated elsewhere already, I believe most E41 stayed in Britain after june 1944, with the Vapalux 300 by far the main model going continental. I have seen several 300's here, in Belgium and in Germany, some of which I bought. But this is the very first E41 I have seen here, much to my surprise. How it arrived here? After 80 years infinite scenario's are possible! I am sure you will find one in Britain one day, the 'hunt' and anticipation part of this hobby. Mike
@M.Meijer Mike, what a find!! I finally got one like this and can't wait to restore it! I wanted to get my Vapalux 300 brown lantern out of the way before I start on the E41! You got a winner here!
George, I am curious to learn how /where you got yours? And please share a picture in it's present state, since you have restoring in mind?
I got my lantern from a UK collector! Very, very lucky! They never pop up in the US, unless some GI brought one back from the war. I'll do my best to get some pictures, just bear with me.
Mike, I haven't done any clean up on the lantern. It's in dire need of a good clean; however, it's in great shape. I found one or two small dents in the font and a small one in the top. It has the original-type holed globe with "Pyrex" stamped on the glass. I think I will repaint the font.
George, these are fascinating lamps not so much for their limited numbers today, but the quickly changing detailing when build within perhaps 2 years, after which this unique model petered out. Your lamp has different details that warrants her own introduction in the Gallery. so please do. With some good documention focussing on the subtle differences we might build a wider document on the E41, which is what the Gallery is for. Very interesting lamp with original (?) paint you have there!
I need to correct the date of the patent on the E41 frame. I mistakenly mentioned Juli 1941 as when this patent was granted, but it should be Oktober of that year. In July 1941 another patent was granted for a spring in the vapouriser to guide the needle, which is shown horizontally on the vapouriser with the number 5378-92. If this lamps still is fully original as it left the Pellon Works, this would narrow down the period she was build or assembled rather dramaticly, even if there were many of the 'Pending' collars left.
Mike, it will go in the gallery once I restore it. That is the original paint; however, I think it look will look better repainted.
George, I consider and use the Gallery as a source for information, so I do not care - with all respect - how your lamp looks like. I do care for attention for detail, sharp pictures in daylight etc. and possibly added information that would help to define a certain development and distinction between lamps. Any beautifying like painting will make the original finish, if still there, disappear and with it a possible clue about it's provenance. Hence the request by me - and many others - to provide pictures (without flash) before the beautifications, especially with these rare lamps.
