Here is the first version of the SL1 this one dates to 1935 and it also has a date on the back of the mirror 16-6-35 which was nice to find hiding there. It has the sharp edged top to the tank only ever used on this lamp and the SP1 model. Has a separate filler hole and the pump is low down horizontal at the rear. This is actually quite a good position if you tip the lamp face down and put the parrafin in this way i quite like it. The mirror on this one is also ajustable as in the later model i have This lamp is on page 45 of the tilley book and in various adverts and catalogues of that time.
Ah, that's because it's a searchlight, as opposed to a floodlight. Searchlights can be focussed, which is done by altering the distance between the mantle and the mirror i.e. moving the mirror backwards and forwards.
Exemplary post Pete. Many photos to show details. That's what a good reference post should look like. And a fabulous lamp too!
Thanks for the comments lads and thanks to Christer for sorting the pictures out. Ray this type of mirror setup gives you a more narrow beam of light when focused ie mirror right back of the drum. When in the forward position its more like a floodlight beam lot wider, this is something i need to try out with a floodlight alongside these mirrors reflect far more light than any chromed reflector will do. In 1935 this lamp cost £10 2/6 and a FL5 cost £7 2/6 so £3 dearer at that time and by 1937 it was £11 2/6 while the floodlight price stayed the same. Here are a few comparison shots of this one and the 37 model the later one looks slightly bigger and notice the bigger hole in the top to let the heat out and finally this is one as found picture cheers pete
Great restoration Where the mirrors in this fabulous condition or did you have to restore them as well?
Mick Emm and me had a great time at Sykeside, using one of these to illuminate a prominent member here (no names; no pack-drill ) whilst he frantically paced about the site trying to get a signal on his mobile phone so he could speak with his new girlfriend, with whom he was clearly besotted. I recall he described her as "f*****g gorgeous" Ah, sweet...
Looks like many hours went into this excellent restoration. Which industries or businesses used searchlights ?
The link below shows information about the Tilley searchlights, Jeff. http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/1578
Hi Stephan I was very lucky with the mirror it looked bad but after very careful brushing and various clean wipes and a solvent it came up very well just a slight foxxing which is a few spots caused by the age of it i expect This lamp i was told was on Liverpool docks fire train during the war and later on the railways where a lot of these type of lamps and floodlights would be used. It did not take that long to fix up i did use a angle grinder and a sanding disc to clean most of the rust off and solvents to remove the grease and grime, then a couple of coats of plasicote black and it is a vast improvement cheers pete
