Hi guys. I'm a new member here from New Zealand and i have just bought a X246 Tilley lamp, but unsure if it's a Guardsman or a Delux version. The base of the fuel tank is undated and there is no inscription on the sides of the tank either. The handle attachment lines up with what would be expected between 1950 and 1953 along with the undated tank. The finish on the tank appears to be nikel and is not flaking off. What are the chief differences between the Guardsman and the Delux versions? Thanks for your help with this. Cheers Simon
Hello Simon and welcome. Back in the day, it was standard practice to plate and add insect protection screens to export versions.
Hi Henry. Thanks for your warm welcome and reply. My lamp does indeed have an insect protection screen fitted as you state. By plating, do you mean nickel plating for export models? I'm yet to get the lamp running and I'm more or less floundering at the moment. Where to buy mantles and other spare parts etc, that sort of thing. I'll take a pic of my lamp and post it here if that helps any? Cheers Simon
Posting a photo is always helpful. Consistent with what Henry said, by far the overwhelming majority of 1950s Tilley X246 lanterns exported to Australia (and I imagine NZ) were speculum-plated (not nickel or chrome). Therefore your lamp is both a De-Lux and a Guardsman. Cheers Tony
These are great lanterns! You have both the early style “deep” 171 glass and the first version of that style of hood. Cheers Tony
Thanks Tony. I'm quite excited about my Tilley even more so now. What production/model year would you say it was built in? Cheers Simon
Hi mate, and welcome that looks like a perfect example to me. It seems you have all your questions answered, that's another reason why I love this Forum. Plenty of members willing to help you learn. I was told there isn't any stupid question, so don't be shy to ask. Goodluck mate.
Hi and thanks mate. Yep I agree! A very good, helpful group of people. No doubt as time goes on I'll have some more questions. Where do I obtain the little start up torch and new mantles? Cheers Simon
That's a great question, evilbay is expensive, I was lucky I didn't have to find them as they came with one of my lamps. There is always Gumtree or Market place, or maybe other members will help you out. The other option is to find a cheap enough lamp with the accessories, Lamps seem to get lonely and breed. Sorry I'm not much help.
Buggerlugs, thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll keep an eye out for those items, they sometimes appear on our "Trademe". Yeh man, for some obscure reason my lamp will wanting the company of another lamp and another and another...........Hmmmm Cheers Simon
I forgot the fettlebox on this sight scroll down the front page. They are excellent quality and made by one of our members.
Hey thanks for all the info and the contact. I'll chase it after Christmas. You guys have been very helpful, cheers. Simon
Welcome to CPL @Simon Henderson A nice looking lantern You need the double tie style often designated D2 large. Peerless mantles are available in NZ Gas mantles for Coleman Tilley & all kerosene pressure lamps the DT 140 suite the Tilley. Other brands can be found in camping stores or online.
Hi and thanks for the warm welcome to the group. I'll follow up on that contact for mantles, they may also have other Tilley related goodies. Simon
"Just Mantles" NZ just does mantles, but some NZ camping stores still stock Tilley gear. If you can't find what you want TW Sands in Melbourne can help. The postage to NZ is less than from Europe/US. Tony
Cheers Tony. I'm on Just Mantles NZ website right now having a look. DT140 appears to be the right one. There's two types listed, yittrium and thorium, which is better?
The thorium mantle will burn whiter, but don't eat it or breath in mantle dust; it is mildly radioactive. Best regards Tony
