But before you get too excited, the postage was a bit steep! However, in total, it was a fair price. I spotted this lamp advertised as a 320 on ebay, though it looked like a 305 to me, and contacted the seller who explained the unusual pricing. It turned out I was the only bidder and so got the lamp for a nominal 9 pence (plus postage). The seller said she'd wrap it carefully and indeed it was a masterclass in lamp wrapping! Although a bit grubby, it is over 50 years old, but probably has only been lit a few times. The fuel tank is almost unmarked and the black hood free of chips or cracks. After a quick rub over with a rag, they both look like new. Here it is as delivered: It is a Vapalux and I think it must be a M1 model as it has the military markings and 1973 stamp but no model number. The M1, I think, is pretty much identical to the 305 though it is odd to me that two very different cage designs come into the 305 category. Here are the fuel tank and hood after a wipe: And the Vapalux date stamp: Next step is to replace all of the seals 'just in case' and the pump leather as the pump isn't pumping. Apart from the rusty handle and the darkened brasswork, it seems as though it has just come off the shop shelf. I want to clean the brass but not make it too bright and I need to deal with the handle rust. I have it all in pieces now and can't wait to reassemble and do a test fire. If all goes well, I'll post a picture of the flames later. I believe the test firing should be without the glass in place? I'd hate to risk cracking it. Sooty
It is indeed an M1. Original 1970's glass, hood replaced sometime after 1980 when that style of hood was introduced (possibly while still in MOD ownership). The original would have been one of the two piece spot welded ones in green. Very nice find.
@steerpike451 i have one exactly as the one OP has and may folks had told me that that is not the original hood.
Thank you for confirming it is an M1. I don't know enough aout these lamps to offer an opinion regarding the 'rightness' of the black hood, but I doubt whether the original owner - and I think they had the lamp from new - replaced the hood since the lamp shows almost no evidence of having been used much. The only mark on the fount/tank is a slight rub in the paint from where the handle had been in contact for ages. I guess it is possible that when the lamp was assembled at the factory, a black hood was to hand and so was used. But indeed, it might have been owned by the MOD at first and then sold to the public, but why the hood might have been changed on a new lamp we'll never really know. I do like the black hood better than the green ones though. I'll leave it as it is. Too wet and windy to do a test burn outside today as I don't have the courage to try it in the garage! Sooty
What an awesome deal, well done. My only example of this type is an M1 and it performs absolutely lovely. No flickering, pre-heats & lights easy, plenty of light & never any dramas.
A slight air leak through the non-return valve has held up the test firing. Not sure if it is the washer under the valve where it sits in the pump or the little tiny seal inside the valve itself. I've checked that and it is seating nicely and I've tightened the valve a bit more, which has reduced the bubbling when immersed, but there is still a little leak. Oh the fettling fun...
