This is a Vapalux 320 chromed model with a blue enamelled one piece hood. I have only seen three examples of this version. Apparently it was a special edition for Rothmans' Cigarettes in the 1970s, at a time when gifts were given out in exchange for cigarette tokens.
I had heard that Vapalux made 750 of these. Not sure about that but the guy who gave me mine told me he got that from the Works manager. Pretty rare for sure because I think three known examples is right. ::Neil::
I have a Vapalux lantern top reflector which matches the colour of the hood on this lantern. I assume that they were issused with those lanterns? Jeff.
Hi Jeff, Blue is not an uncommon colour for W&B reflectors. I have quite a few, one still in it's military issue box with a 1949 date, so well before the Rothmans. The 1940s HD44 handlamp also had a blue reflector but wider than later versions.There were quite a few blue ones for sale on ebay a few years back....so not a rarity this time!!
