On recently clearing an outbuilding I have found a few paraffin pressure lamps. One of them I think is a Vapalux E41. It has a brass tank and top with an enamel cap. The globe holder has patent pending stamped on it. I was interested in the age of the lamp and model number.
Vapalux E41 hood and burner gallery for sure and likely E41 globe cage and collar but the tank is a Bialaddin 300 or 305 type and the pre heater is a Bialaddin type as well. So a hybrid marriage of 1941 to 1950ish parts and as such can't really have a "correct" model number or date. ::Neil::
Thanks for that. What is the physical difference between an E41 tank and a 300? I have found several different tanks and it would be good to reunite the burner etc with the original tank.
The E41 tank has a "squarer" shape and the top part where the cage fits is recessed further down into the tank e.g. see this photo from Ian Ashton:
I have another tank that has squarer sides and a more recessed dip. It has a brass regulator knob with"V" stamped. Seems to have the remnants of grey paint on the brass tank, I think.
If it has the well in the top,that tank is right. Even better the control cock is right! Still need the right filler cap, knurled rather than that cog shaped one.
@adam0141 great find........looks very similar to one recently on a very popular internet auction site.
I'm sure I have the right knurled filler cap in my tray of spares. The only thing I might be missing is a vaporisation tube with the correct spirit cup. Anyone know where I might get one? I think many years ago, the previous owner of my farmhouse used to service and repair lamps as a job. Over the years whilst clearing outhouses we have found many spares. Thanks all for your advice.
Have a look here Vapalux,& Bialaddin Lantern Spares it seems they're temporarily out of stock of vapourisers but there's always eBay. For the spirit cup, you'll need to cut off the tube underneath the actual cup of item V72. OR cut the tab off V72/L .
If you can find one, I believe a Bialaddin 310 cup is a close match to original . Plus, I just noticed, you have the appropriate chunky pump top on that tank...jammy!
Having found most of the appropriate parts and dusted off the dead spiders, I have decided to try and sell on the popular internet auction site. I have attached some photos for future interest.
As a side note* I think it's possible, as with most things at that time, change over years could result in later parts being used. I've an E41 with the squarer brass profile tank but not recessed (same shape as the war time steel tank but brass) it also has the later grey angled top commonly found on the 'Halifax' 300. It has the thicker pump knob but a 'gog style' large brass filler. It does seem possible that it came like this from the factory. I do have the knurled type filler cap as well if opinion leans more towards that type.
I just had a quick read of previous posts regarding the E41. Neil and others mention having a discussion at the Newark meet, and came to the conclusion that they were aware of at least 14 variations. Interesting.
