One of my recent additions. So knowledgeable ones , any clues on a bit of history or year It’s the first 310 I’ve seen with a blue hood , in fact having searched through the lamp reference section on here it’s the first blue hood on a Bialaddin / Vapalux I have seen. Will be cleaned up and resealed , pump does just about work and the tank does hold pressure , so dropped lucky I hope
Search for "Rothmans" here. I don't know which models were specials for Rothmans or how many times they did it.
Understand them to be 320 modes in the 70s and have the later taller chimney style hood and a chrome tank Ian Ashtons lamp from the Gallery Cleaned it up a little , colours are easier to see The tank is a lighter green than my 300X or M305 , red cock control knob and the hood is more vibrant
I used to smoke Rothmans 30 years ago lol, would've loved one of those 320's. Way before my time though. Don't think many exist? Never seen a blue mushroom style hood either though, bit of a rarity I'd say. Happy fettling
@Beanie , That lighter green, with a slight hint of very fine metalic, is the original paint for a 310. One of the very few frivolous outbursts - likely instigated by Aladdin Industries - by a rather staid firm.
Quite please with the outcome so far , not yet fired , awaiting a control cock knob I may in time repaint the tank , but only if I get the hood re-enamelled - for now cleaned up and a light buff to release the original paint finish Picked up a vintage period Bialaddin marked glass , I think it deserved it over a repro like that I have on my Green 300. I would love to know more about it - seems an odd ball ??
You did a very nice job on making this lamp presentable. I much prefer this condition as this lamp looks like her age, a good 70 years, with restored dignity. Plus, she has been used, but not abused. That beats any mint one that was never appreciated for what is was created for, at least in my book. This lady, on the other hand, has experience..... The blue hood definitely has to go imo, preferably to a chrome lamp as that is how they appeared most or even exclusively in the early 70's. You should have little trouble in finding a green two-part hood (as opposed to the single piece 'domed' military style in green at the time) as they were plentifull. By all means, check the Gallery to see what is what and 'supposedly' - as there were no specific models in yearly catalogues - fits together. This also should give you a fair idea about age and period in which this model 310 was produced. And I think a lot is written here on this forum about these simple lamps that yet demand attention, idea's and pondering by many. Plus, there is a book exclusively written about these Willis & Bates lamps by Ian Ashton, something many, more prestigeous brands, go without. Above a piccie by a british lady seller on Ebay in those years the 'bay was fun and affordable. It is actually my dearest posession in my humble collection and handled more frequent than any lamp. Enjoy your good find and the result of your efforts! Mike
Addendum: it is the book, not the picture that is my most enjoyable posession. Too bad the 10 minutes given to adjust whatever was put in, seem to work out as 8 minutes or even less. But then, I am not as quick as I used to be. Soit.
On the hood , I understood that the 70’s Rothmans blue hoods are actually the taller style on a 320 I’m not convinced this hood is from a 70’s style 320 Image from the Gallery I have an 300 in green with a green hood that also shows its age and history too. Surely that deeper green was not fitted with the slight metallic lighter green that the 310 has ? Are the lamps pictured in the same slight metallic green ?? The hoods are lighter than the one I have Next up is a pair of early Burgundy 300xs with the 2 part brass and enamel hood That or an very straight 246
If you mean by 'taller style' the taller looking - as both styles are about the same height - I have no knowledge which style in blue was the specific Rothmans lamp. This blue appeared in both the dome type - as in shown picture by Ian - and two-piece type like yours. In the early 70's this 2-piece model top whether in blue, green or black appeared only on the M-1 model until this model petered out later in the decade. So your misgivings are right. The deeper green is the enamel when it is hot - as per the burning lamp. When cold, it is lighter as in the Ebay picture. Same goes for red by the way. And yes, despite a new lighter green on the founts of the 310 model, the green enamel top it came with was just like the rest, an inbalance that sits uneasy in the eyes of many. The maroon 300X 1967/68 predecessor with a red top on brass (the very first had a black top) was imo even worse in that respect.
actually the green hood on the 310 is a lighter green than the one on the 300x ? they change colour when they heat up anyway
