Tilleys, Tilleys and more Tilleys…

The tip of the needle is intact. Once it came out it was very hard to get it back in again... also the vaporiser hole seems to be open as well as use of the needle produces a very thin stream of black goo that comes off in a thin strip on the finger tip, but the needle doesn't emerge. I just think the thing is absolutely solid with crud... God knows what they were burning, but it was hot and dirty. I'll look out for that cleaning wire...

C

 

Alas… they keep multiplying. On a trip to Bridgnorth yesterday I discovered this sad specimen… but I’m glad I did as it’s not one I’ve already got.

It seems to be a pre-owl x246 - so pre 1954 if I’ve read things correctly? The bad bits are the rusted cage and hood (which does seem structurally OK - just a bit rusted) but the good bits are that everything else seems grubby but in good nick. It was all pretty much finger tight - even the burner nuts! - and doesn’t look to have actually had much use at all. Fingers crossed it might actually restore nicely.

The paint work looks nice under the muck incidentally - I won’t be stripping this down but trying to restore as much as possible. I don’t want to lose any original features like that lovely decal.

C

 

A nice find and I agree that in spite of the condition of the hood, the lantern hasn't had much use. I like the image of the disassmbled burner, it shows that small spiders can and do get in and make their home there.

 

@Automedon

You’re correct about the time period for this lantern. And it’s a good thing that the burner is little used, as well used burners can be problematic if taken apart, because the threads are often damaged by the heat.

When you reassemble the burner make sure the threads are clean and use either copper grease or nickel grease on the threads when re-assembling. You might get some smoke on first light up, but the threads will seal well.

Cheers

Tony

 

It’s a veritable menagerie in there… much cleaning to be done! I can only think this lamp has been a very very long time in store. Also interestingly there was no trace of a mantle…

C

 

On a different tack … what’s the best thing to do if the tip of the pricker needle has broken off in the tip of the vaporiser? A Quick Look earlier suggests this may have happened. Quenching?

And… how to restore the paint without stripping the tank. It’s intact but very very ingrained filthy. Any tips?

C

 

With the paint I would start with some mild detergent , basically give it a wash ;-)
..but yes, be very careful of the decal

Regards

 

On the pricker… if it’s broken, you need a new one.

Cheers

Tony

 

Work progresses anon … two X246a’s and a ‘b’ have come back to life but a quick question when it comes to brass … stripping down my April 1973 x246b the tank had thrown up a LOT of black corrosion stains underneath. Having removed the blue (copper) powdery coating on top, I’m left with apparently immovable black patches everywhere. See pic… is there a simple and foolproof method to get rid of such things?

Also - and on a slightly different topic - I have a LOT of single tie mantles lurking around. I’d like to use these on a Tilley or three - I think I’ve grasped the basic way to convert them to Tilley use but just to confirm - you cut below the stitching when the sealed end is pulled through the open hole? It’s not a case of unpicking the stitching? I’ve already managed to ruin one mantle - I don’t intend to knacker another!

best as ever

Chris

 

Hi Chris
The blue/green powder was probably verdigris .. it is corrosion of the brass and looks like it has pitted the surface so could be a candidate for a paint job ; polishing the pitting out could take a while and would take strength from the tank
Must be possible to neutralise it before painting?
Coin & button collectors recommend lemon juice so try citric acid spot testing then wash off?

hope that helps

regards
pb

 

Soooo… I couldn’t resist… While I did tell myself that I wouldn’t fettle anything until the x246b was finished the recently acquired Guardsman from Bridgnorth kept staring at me.

It is NOT complete cosmetically by a long chalk … both tank and cage need a lot of work but after cleaning everything else, sluicing out the tank and removing half the dead insect population of Bridgnorth from the burners, I fitted new seals etc and did a burner test this afternoon. The hood cleaned up surprisingly well actually, it looks considerably better!

It worked beautifully - possibly the best of the lot, and after fitting a vintage Bullfinch mantle, its a beauty. There were a few unexpected ‘coughs’ for 20 or so seconds at the start then it settled down perfectly and is having a one hour bed in outside. The Bullfinch mantle btw is eye wateringly bright! What were they using???

best, Chris

 

With a bit of work it should clean up nicely

 

Looking great mate, keep up the good work.