This weekend I picked up two FL6s... these are I think much earlier than the first one I got a year or so back. The tanks on both these earlier lamps have a double step at the base of the tank. The later one has a single straight step. But that's not the mystery... If you look at the lamp on the right, above the double step you can see another line. This is a weld/solder joint that goes all the way around the tank as though it had been cut in half and then joined back together. The thing is that this joint is under the original paint and so it almost certainly left the factory that way. The lamp on the right also has no fuel gauge and a riveted back to the reflector/lamp case. Both lamps have the standard sized pump mounted toward the rear, but the pump thread protrudes further than my later lamp. You will see that the left hand lamp has had a replacement top vent made for it some time ago which I think will look fine pained up. The left hand lamp has a copper coloured metal plate to the front. I think the right hand one may have had the same at one time as there is a distinct mark of the same size and shape, but I can't be certain. Help with dating and any light cast on the mystery greatly appreciated..
FL6s with the brass plate and wide pump are 1938/9 IIRC. The line of weld you refer to is often seen on lantern tanks such as the PL53. I did ask about it here but I don't think we came up with any conclusions, other than it was factory. The paint will last on the replacement vent until the first time you light it when it will burn off. The original Tilley paint does, too! Consider it a 'badge of honour' - something like the soot on a Trangia kettle which should never be removed. On the other hand, it does look galvanised and zinc fumes aren't to be recommended...
That joint mark on the tank I have on my SL1 also no fuel gauge so made during war years . The line is when dipping the tank in the lead tinning bath stayed to long in one spot creating this line its inside the tank as well . have scrapped a bit on mine to test and its soft like solder .My theory is the convyer line broke down for a short while creating this thick build up of tinning . Bob .
That "Weld" line on steel WW2 founts is perhaps too common for a short stoppage to be responsible. I wonder if these tanks had a second dip to provide a thicker layer of tinning to protect the base plate from corrosion or perhaps it just reflects the way the base seam was sealed on steel tanks. After about 1940 the brass front plate was replaced with a similar sized decal and it is the remains of that on your second lamp. Both quite early and uncommon survivors. Nice find indeed. ::Neil::
That line is also on an AL8 Steel tank I have. These and other steel tanks of the period were protected from rust by lead/solder coating which would have run when the tank heated by soldering of the base plate
Thanks for the info... Looking forward to getting these cleaned up and running, but sadly no chance before Ashover...
