So I recently bought a Tilley lamp (my 2nd one), a x246 Guardsman (from 12-1957 as it turns out), and browsing here on the forum to get some info on this model, I stumbled on the term: "speculum plated", like in this topic in the gallery (my lamp in very similar): Tilley X246 Speculum Plated But I'm a bit puzzled what a speculum is? it's not mentioned in the topic "what do I call this part":What do I call this part?: Tilley And googling the word 'speculum' pretty much reveals a medical instrument from which it's best the purpose is not discussed here.... So although English is not my mothers tongue, I was always convinced I mastered it pretty well, but this left me puzzled Can someone explain the speculum? My lamp with his companions in the window sill :
A search of speculum does get you confusing results. I suggest this one as a start. Speculum metal - Wikipedia
Ah thanks. So it's a specific bronze alloy and not a specific lamp part, I've never heard that term. So what exactly is speculum metal plated? is it the fuel cock (looks aluminium coloured but for sure is some kind of brass, judging by the weight) or also the tank? The tank looks chromium plated (also judging by the hardness, I cleaned the spots a bit with fine steel wool and after that a white scotch brite polishing cloth), but I could be mistaken of course.
