Is this a Tilley PL53?

I think I’ve posted this query before. Handle is a single part, tank and pump underneath some hideous ginger coloured paint are steel. Is it a PL53 or an eX100?

 

Hello Jean, in my opinion, it's a late WW2., PL-53.

 

Thanks Jeff, I did think it was actually.

 

Looks like someone stuck an X100 handle on a PL53. I know the PL56 had a similar handle but a PL56 this isn’t. Is the tank steel or brass?

 

Jean, once they lose their decals it comes down to how you dress them.
I have looked and looked and I can't find any consistent difference between them.
I have steel EXs and PLs with original decals and I have at least 2 decaled PLs that came with the EX100 handle.
On wether to call it a PL or an EX100 is up for debate but I think it comes down to the hood.

There are 2 examples here.
They would take the reflector with the ears and 2 cut outs in the reflector rather than the normal PL reflector with the 4 cut outs.

 

The lower part of the hood looks ok under the brown gunk! Are you going to strip and paint... jf you are I'm happy to help.

 

Help!

 

Consider it done. I'll PM you.