Tilley VL1 in blue?

Just dug it out of the shed. I was in the kitchen when I was a kid. Any info greatly appreciated

 

@wysiwyg

Look here for Vase Lamps:

Table & Vase Lamps (TL & VL)

Cheers

Tony

 

Thanks. Looking at the photos it's missing parts above the glass?

 

I’m not familiar with the Vase Lamps, but there is one of Mick Emm’s in the Reference Gallery that has a globe like yours and not a shade.

@Mackburner, @JEFF JOHNSON or @David Shouksmith may have something to say on the matter.

Tony

 

They were sold without a shade but there were shades available in a variety of types and colours. In the 1936 catalogue it is shown with a plain parchement type. ::Neil::

 

@wysiwyg

Just in case you do not know. Good examples of VL 1 lamps are worth a small fortune!

 

All I can say now is that I'm still mourning the loss of my VL1s - I don't think I'll ever get over it...

 

I don't know what a good example is? This looks complete. I guess it's brass and needs a clean?

 

@wysiwyg

You have a good example!

Clean it up and get it going.

Cheers

Tony

 

You might want to clean the glass globe but as for the rest, I'd leave it exactly as it is, particularly if you don't know what you're doing. You'll add nothing and potentially do a bit of harm. Those VL1s are the holy grail of Tilleys although blue was one of the more popular colours. Still probably worth a couple of bob, though...

 

I've upgraded it from shed to fireplace. But I'm moving so I'll probably let it go. I'm meant to be downsizing not upgrading.
I've checked eBay and my google-fu is pretty strong but I can't find a sold one anywhere? Can anyone give me a ballpark?

 

Welcome aboard!
That lamp is well worth restoring and you certainly got it cheaply!

This link shows my example.

1930's, Tilley blue VL1.

 

The vases are prone to crazing, so if you were to clean it with soapy water then it may well soak through the glaze and into the pottery which would look a bit of a mess until it hopefully dried. I’ve seen the gold ones that have been handled a lot and the grease from the handling has gone into the crazing, I’m not sure if it would be possible to get that out. Mine rarely get handled for that very reason, so as suggested, other than the glass, don’t bother doing anything to it.

@David Shouksmith you really did mean they were all going then, I thought the Vl’s would be staying for sure. Maybe you could replace your blue one with the one above. 52 shillings acording the Neil’s advert should buy it.

 

It's worth a Grand all day long, may be 1 and a half to 2 with a good wind behind it....

 

Take it you’re not buying it then Paul.

 

you can leave me yours in your will.....

 

Nah they’ve already been claimed in that scenario. But I’ll leave your phone number lying around, so you can collect the scrap.

 

Thanks, you're all heart....

 

@paul m

Well done, Paul.

 

Cheers gents, I'm going to stick it on eBay and hope it gets a "good wind" behind it.

 

@wysiwyg I see it, it looks nice with a bit of a clean. Just be wary of ebays global shipping program, there are many threads to read around here about posting lamps abroad and the gsp isn’t necessarily the best option. I’ve never posted anything outside the uk myself, but there are people who could suggest alternatives. @paul m

 

Really? I'll have a look, I thought it was my responsibility to get it to GSP Centre and after that it's all on them damage wise etc

 

Well, from what I understand, the GSP is like a 3rd party shipping agent, only it's run by ebay. You send the item to an address in this country and then the hard work of shipping abroad is sorted for you. Problems arise because ebay knows exactly what is in the parcel you are sending and when it comes to lamps they can get a bit funny just like Royal Mail do. If they decide they don't want to ship a "dangerous" item then they will dispose of it as they see fit. Sometimes when listing an item I've seen it say that this item is not eligible for GSP if they see it as hazardous, it's when they have your item and make the decision it's hazardous.

I don't want to cause you too much worry, but I think if you can sort the shipping yourself that would be a good option. I probably worry too much, and in the past it's lost me lamps and also sales, but as I've said others know more and are better suited to advise you.

 

If I can maybe say the unsayable and get down to brass tacks... both Royal Mail and plenty of other courier services, not to mention most airlines have recently taken it upon themselves to classify pressure lanterns of any sort as potentially explosive devices. Add to this an indifferent attitude to accepting any responsibility by all of the above and you could end up sending a £2000 lantern somewhere in the world, it doesn't much matter where, have it lost, confiscated or even crushed (quite seriously) and you won't get anything by way of compensation... and a rare lantern will be lost for ever.

If it were me, I would find a UK buyer and specify collection only. If someone wants it, and they will, they'll come to you, trust me.

Sorry to be blunt but you can't trust that anything than once contained paraffin will arrive in one piece.

 

Ideally if I were selling I’d be trying to find someone in this country that could either collect or I could deliver to. Trouble is by restricting yourself you’d probably be lucky to get half the asking price. The big money is out there, just not in this country it seems. If I’m wrong, get in touch.

 

I have used UPS and they were pretty good. If there is a potential problem they are likely to call you and ask. You get to talk to an actual human and when you explain the item is flushed clean and contains no fuel they are happy tp ship. ::Neil::

 

It seems that wysiwyg has made his own decisions anyway as the lamp has been on eBay for a few days.

 

Still crying my eyes out...

I'd have had that broken yellow vase from you, had it repaired, sprayed it black and then chromed the relevant parts of the next tank that came along. Then I'd have had only the pink to get and I know who has one of those. Couldn't prise it out of his sweaty mitts for neither love nor money, though. Too late now and it's no use crying over spilt milk, is it...

 

I’m impressed by that line-up David but if you ever feel like selling the crimson one you know where I am!

 

That really is a beautiful sight, I fear you may be too late though Jean.