A not uncommon lantern... ...although the pump details are unusual - flat surface, knurled edge and with a flat so that it can be locked in the closed position:-
I have seen that pump feature before. I don't know if it was done by W&B or was a military thing. Maybe Ian will know. ::Neil::
Yes, I can't remember where the lantern came from and re-examining it now, it almost certainly has been resprayed - a paint run, paint on the pump and filler cap threads and no stamp visible under the tank (but good paint match if it has been!). Pity whoever did it missed painting the collar... Anyway, that may suggest the pump isn't original to this particular lantern - it also shows more wear than is commensurate with the condition of the rest. The lantern is also fitted with the larger filler so this may well be a military tank resprayed in a civvy colour. I've a mint one of these and I'll compare this lantern with that. But it's still the only time I've seen this type of pump on a W&B lantern...
No I have never seen a pump like that on any W&B. The way the knurling is badly worn suggests it doesn't fit very well on the threads either, someone has had the pliers on it! Most likely an adaption I would have to say.
I reckon I have seen maybe three or four of them. I think on olive drab M320 lanterns. I might even have one here. Not sure and its cold out so I am disinclined to go hunting. ::Neil::
I've seen these (or the holes where the retainer is missing) on plenty of Vap/Bia lamp batches I've picked up over the years. Are these pumps not the same as some of the Brit mil-spec stoves? The one I'm thinking off I avoid like the plague so don't have one I can check. Maybe some cross fitting of parts in the workshop or QM stores?
Ah, yes - the stove version of 'The Scottish Play'! It did strike me that there was a similarity between the pump on 'The British Stove' and the one fitted to this lantern. I do have one somewhere so I'll check when I locate it...
