Hi All, Not a frequent poster here but I do log in regularly, hopefully you will bear with me I have what I think is an AL8 that I am intending to restore. I will probably just give it a good clean and service as the paintwork seems reasonable, possibly re-paint the handle and heat deflector but done in a manner to blend in with the original paint. I was wondering the approx age of this lamp, if it is 'correct' and original and what would be the best way to deal with the lamp reflector? I am not sure if it would have been fully chromed, or just polished, hopefully someone can advise. I exhibit stationary engines at rallies and this will go nicely with some of the evening light ups we have. Regards David
Hi Jean, yes still lurking here (and in my shed when I get the chance!) Hope you are well, I will send you a proper update soon. Still looking for the Vesuvius, there was a post on here recently on 'Hot Bulb Engines' which I posted on with a photo but it still remains elusive, one will turn up eventually. Still picking up the odd Tilley and tinkering around with them. Time is a problem these days though...
Hello David, that's a great find and it all looks correct to me and it's probably a 1940's example, it's difficult to be certain as Tilley did not start date stamping their products until the Autumn of 1956.
Thanks for the info Jeff, useful to know about the dating info. Have had it a while, just not got round to it yet (as per the norm just now!) But finding out about it is at least a start. Any thoughts on the finish of the reflector ? Regards David
Looks like the model I have David which I always thought was an AL8A, but others will know better than I do. The reflector on mine definitely has a chrome finish.
This link shows the relevant page. http://www.classicpressurelamps.com/forum/showgallery.php?fid/169/
This is a very interesting and busy lamp with lots to look at. Hopefully David won't mind me asking a few questions about the lamp on his topic. Was the lamp designed for a particular purpose or for a particular industry or armed forces? It looks as though the base was added for stabilisation? Perhaps to not fall over on uneven or muddy terrain? To me, it looks like a cross between an EX100 and a R1 with a superstructure added.
Matty. You need to buy the Tilley Book. The holy bible of Tilleys . Explains most of the Tilleys when made and what uses etc . Bob .
Someone put a link here to 'you tube' that showed Al15's & Al8's in their intended use. It is not to be found but here is a link http://www.britishpathe.com/video/fluffies to one showing what appear to be carbide lamps and the "Fluffies" AL 15's were also used for this.
If you look at the storm lanterns from Dietz, you will find some with a similar base - meant for railroad work. Tilley's version is more solid and gives more light, of course, but both are stable when placed on the ballast. According to the mentioned "Tilley Bible" the AL8 was especially suitable for inspecting the railroad tunnel roofs.
Thanks folks, looks like I need to either source a good chrome replacement, or find out about re-chroming. Does anyone know if there is any other Tilley product that has the same reflector that would swap over ? I have visions of a radiator reflector being a near swap ? I can fully recommend the 'Tilley Bible', a great read and something I go back to regularly for information. Regards David
This is AL8 and from the mid 1950s. It may not have a date stamp but with the Tilley stamp on the side of the tank it is 1954-1956. The reflectors on these are chrome plate over copper. They mostly polish up OK although the plating was not always of the best and can flake off. ::Neil::
Thanks for the info Neil. I will investigate further if there is a date stamp. I will have a cautious attempt at polishing the reflector. The whole lamp is in need of stripping and a good clean and that may improve matters before starting with the chrome cleaner. Will update the thread when time permits. Regards David
