I had not fully realised that there was this version of the Tilley Pump until I bought a late 1950's Tilley 246 Guardsman, and found that the pump assembly that was fitted did not not seat corrctly; it would not screw down far enough. Someone had fitted a compressible copper washer below the pump seal to try and make it seat, but this did not work. I tried several different brass Tilley pumps, all with the same result: no seat obtained. I then took a pump from an earlier 1946- 50 "Pork Pie" 246 and realised that this earlier version was what was needed. This version has a very thin knurled hand-screw, and a very short lead thread. the handscrew is about 3.25mm thick as opposed to the later ones which are about 8mm thick. So now I am looking for one like this. Can anyone help?
Hi Steve, that appears to be the same as the one supplied on all lamps with a pork pie tank. I can't say I have ever seen it fitted to any other style of lamp. I see them turn up regularly on ebay so it shouldn't be too difficult to find one. Best regards Matt.
Hi Matt, Thanks for that info. It is the only type however that will fit the 246 tank that I have, so as usual, it is probably a bit of mix and match by Tilley, using up old stock on a newer model of lamp. The tank will not take the longer lead-in threads of the later type pumps. This what makes our hobby so much fun! Steve
Matthew, I have a 1950-54 guardsman with that type of pump. I often wondered about its origin, now I know.
