Hello all, well you know what they say never say never, especially on this Forum. Previously I stated that I only collect Tilley and Kayen Pressure lamps, then one day I can across a Coleman CQ table lamp that just wanted to come home with me, so of course I bought it, who wouldn't when its a bargain. I think I saw that lamp for about 5 years, it seemed that each time I went to the shop it got cheaper and cheaper until I just couldn't say no. Then somehow over the next 3 or 4 weeks the Coleman CQ table lamps multiplied to 6 in no time at all, as I knew where they were from the trips we went on, so I went back and bought them. Prior to this, in some job lots that i bought I would get some Coleman, Aladdin, and Austramax lamps. When this happened I would just give them to my son Michael, because I didn't want to collect them and he loves them so it was a win for him and it made me happy too, as his collection was getting bigger. Some time latter we go on a overnight trip as the wife wanted to get away from home, lucky for me as the next thing I know is suddenly I have a Coleman 157 Table Lamp and a Coleman 159X Table Lamp found as a pair in the middle of nowhere in a secondhand shop. Now it seems and I truly dont know how this happened, but I have a Austramax 3/300. I would like to know what year the Austramax is? As I dont know how to date it, no marking of date anywhere that I can see. Any help would be wonderful so I can put it in the Reference Gallery. Also I'm not sure if the globe is original? So here are some photos. The Austramax was an easy fettle I only had to change the pump leather. The Tilley AL8 Track Lamp was from the Victorian Railway as it has markings on the fount. Thanks if you made it this far.
I'm away from home at the moment, so don't have access to my records. I'll get back to you in a couple of days. From memory, I would say mid to late 1960s, maybe even early 70s.
@Buggerlugs The Tilley AL8 is post 1940; I’d hazard a guess and day between 1940 and 1954, but I can’t do much better than that. Cheers Tony
Finally I've had time to look into this a bit. Unfortunately I'm not closer to a better guess. This lantern is from a period where several changes were being introduced in short succession and there is no documentation to say when. The only dated information to go on is this catalogue from 1972. Of course you should always be careful with catalogue pictures as they could be re-using older drawings/pictures. Anyway, yours has the newer control but doesn't have the stainless steel base. So the best that can be said is that it is from the same general era as the catalogue.
@Nils Stephenson Thanks for looking into that for me, much appreciated. So I should put it in the Reference Gallery as a,1970's lamp then. Would that be correct in your opinion?
Hello all, Step 1 is complete for my Tilley AL8 Track Lamp. This is all that will be done until next summer, when the weather is perfect for spray painting again. We are very happy with the results so far. Now for the long cold winter wait. Thanks for looking.
Hello all, here is the latest on my Tilley AL8 track lamp, I have all the parts to complete this lamp now. I'm just waiting on the weather and she will be painted black and added to the Reference gallery. Some photos to look at. Thanks.
Hello all, my AL8 Track Lamp is finally finished. If you are interested here is the link. Tilley AL8 Track Lamp 1945-54 here is a photo. Thanks for looking.
