Tilley 246 Fount

I decided to have a servicing session on my guardsmen recently, as it’s too cold in my garage for any serious fettling. Most if not all are late 50s. Can’t say I’d noticed before but one is different, I’ve checked it out and there is no date on it. So my question is, is this an earlier model, or a special or is it common & I’ve just not noticed them before

 

That style of tank was introduced in 1954 and was used till 1957- Tilley started date marking them in late '56. Due to the design of the bottom seam they're regarded as more resistant to "blown bottoms" than the later versions.

 

That Tank profile is 1954 to October 1957. Date stamps seem to start October 1956 so I would expect this X246 to be 1954 to 1956. Not really special as it is the standard lantern sold for about four years but it is the last of the better engineered Tilley lanterns. ::Neil::

 

Thanks, Steerpike & Neil, obviously I’ve not noticed before. What date did they change frame style on these lamps please

 

1954 IIRC- shortly before the tank design was changed because you occasionally see examples with the new frame on the older tank.

 

Great, thanks for the info

 

It may be optical illusion but to me those studs appear to be splayed outwards which could indicate excessive pressure has been applied to the font .
If a straight edge is put side to side under the rim does the center of the base come close to it ?

 

Yes it’s an illusion, the tank is fine

 

- Sounds like you need an R1 or a Bowlfire

 

Oh I have, 2 R1s & a bowlfire & use them all. When I say too cold for fettling I really mean too cold for painting.