Just this morning picked up a Bialaddin 300X, Ex RAF dated 1949. Air Ministry Reference No 21C/2503. It looked very bad as the thick RAF grey/blue paint had not been applied well and was flaked to almost nothing left. I have stripped it back to the brass and it is going to look tremendous. No damage, all parts still working, with a few new seals etc. and has the original glass! I will post some pictures when I have restored it to working condition. Steve. PS. In same buy I got an early brass Tilley as well! My lucky day.
Some pics of it stripped and the ident engravings. The vaporiser is good, so is the control cock, and the glass is original. Will post more pics when I have it working. Do not know whether to keep it beautiful bare brass or repaint it to its RAF grey colour, any views?Steve.
Hi Steve, If you do repaint it the Air Ministry Bialaddins came in a light green colour, there is a photograph of one in the Reference Gallery. I have not seen the particular shade of green on any other Bialaddins or Vapaluxes. W&B must have made quite a big batch of these lanterns because they are not uncommon and all seem to bear the year 1949.
Here are two more pics. Just got it back together and after a few seal replacements here it is working. Also another shot of the Air Ministry markings. Steve.
Personally I would repaint it to protect the brass from oxidation. Or polish it up and then give it a coat of clear lacquer.
