Hiya one and all - after using the site and gleaning knowledge for a couple of years I am submitting my first contribution - well query! I have recently acquired this PL53; various signs tell me that it, or at least parts of it, is a later model. It has the Reg 681681 marking on the base rim but there is also a further inscription which includes an interesting "A M" cypher. Has anyone seen this sort of marking before and can it be translated? I understand the PL53 ceased production in 1946 so the "120348" can't be the date of manufacture. It looks to be in fairly good condition so will get a basic fettle and we will see what happens. I need to get a new globe (Base Camp here I come) - should it be onion or teardrop? Many thanks, Nick
Vapalux lanterns used by the Air Ministery were stamped AM, it's possible Tilley were too. The original globe would have been teardrop.
The crown and A M marking is indeed the Air Ministry property mark: apparently the two digits in the middle of the stores number (between the two slashes) are the year number- so 1940.
Welcome aboard! Your lantern also has the brass knob on the control cock and those usually turn up on military WW2., PL-53's, also, the thread which the control cock's gland nut screws onto may be made from steel.
At last! 1940 Air Ministry Tilley PL53 reporting for duty! I think that all parts, except the globe, are original and in very good shape for an 83 year old. (The control cock seems to be all brass). There is plenty of life left in this lamp so I have decided to give it a light polish and wax to preserve the existing patina for now. I might give it the shiny brass treatment when it is ready for the museum. Many thanks to all who helped with the identification. Next please!
