I have cleaned and refurbished a couple of 320 lamps, at least I'm pretty sure they are 320s thanks to comparing them to others shown were. They were originally chipped and scratched silver with a few dents and dings but are now polished brass. However, I'm not sure of the details of what I have. The one on the left has a black top and the black knob says Vapalux whilst the one on the right has a green top and the red knob says Bialladin. Does that confirm them as Vapaux and Bialladin respectively? The pump button screw cap on each is slightly different with the green top having sloping shoulders whilst the black top has a squared off edge to the screw cap. Finally, the green top has nothing underneath whereas the black top has Willis and Bates etc. underneath with a broad arrow. Is that indicative of it being a military model even though originally painted silver, or am I barking up the wrong tree? I'm curious. Oh, and yes both fired up and stayed lit for bonfire night - the glow of the lamp, the hiss of the mantle and that unmistakable aroma! T'was magic. Cheers, Sooty.
The black hood with the rounded top edge is a Vapalux hood whereas the green hood is a Bialaddin hood. This might mean the one on the left is a Vapalux but it's not easy to be certain because all Vapalux and Bialaddin parts are interchangeable and lanterns often get mixed up. Very nice lanterns though!
Thank you both -very helpful. That confirms what I thought/suspected. I must admit I am pleased with the outcome as they were pretty grubby and took some serious cleaning. The green top/Bialladin looks to have had the harder life; interesting that it is the older of the two. That pump had had a hefty clonk at some time as it is cockeyed and there is quite a dent where it fits the bowl. But, no leaks and all intact. Phew. I must now have another go at my Tilley - currently produces copious flames so I suspect I'm not getting it hot enough before switching on. I'll try two burnings! Kind of addictive...
Yes Aladdin ended their association with Willis & Bates in 1968 but W&B continued to make model 320 and supplied many to the MoD. So the green fittings and hood are about 1967/8 and Biladdin and the softer edged black hood and control are post 1968 Vapalux. ::Neil::
I just love the detailed knowledge you chaps have. Thank you. I may postpone the Tilley fettle till I get some new washers etc. and do a proper job on it. That means having a look at the other lamps in the garage. Shame they all have green hoods as that isn't really my colour - haha. But I do also need to get a new vaporiser for the Bialladin/Vapalux lamps to replace the one donated to the black top. In the meantime, I have a couple of 'deep sea' fishing reels to service for a mate and there I'm on safer ground.
