Hello every one! Found me this 1943 stamped Vapalux 300, in working but in the normal rusty state. I cleaned it up good, and was surprised to see that the inside of the fount was I great shape. After cleaning I started trying to find I grey color that would be a close match to the Rapidal grey that was currently on the lantern, this being no small task, but as I’m in to plastic models as well, I have a huge variety of Valljeo acrylic colors, and I painted some of them on the collar of the lantern, and one color called Medium Gunship Grey was such an close match that I could hardly see where on the lantern I painted it! (Medium Gunship Grey was an US WWII aircraft color.) The vent is a little bruised up, but after trying a repro one, seen on the before restauration photo, I choose to use the original one as the color is a much better match for the Rapidal grey on this lantern. Best regards / Fred.
Great! This looks just like my 300, except your's is minus a pressure tit. Mine has one but from all I've read about the 1943 300, it should not have the tit! Your's is the correct one! Very nice job. These are a great lantern!
George, when buying the VapaBia book 3 years ago, I corresponded to that end with Ian Ashton. Among other remarks, he said having come to the conclusion that Willis & Bates made ANY lamp complete and working using ANY part that was produced. Nothing was relegated to the scrap bin or laid aside if it was not according the newest model, so everything was used, even years after a certain product was made. Given the remarkably small set up as a company, producing in times when money was tight almost everywhere, every penny counted and surely was not wasted at Reservoir Rd. Every usable bit was therefore applied and sold. Hence a mix-match of parts often encountered by us today, that not automaticly must be the result of make-do repair along the road. I think it is fair to say that W&B were selling factory-made bitza's avant-la-lettre, and you might therefore be the owner of a dead-original factory lamp of full integrity. I think I have two of those myself, like my late green 300X with the odd chrome cage and collar. The very nice thing of this forum is that we can combine forces in finding what 'likely' was this or that model, and when it appeared on the market. And make conversation about it. Mike
@M.Meijer Thanks, Mike. Makes me feel a little better. This is of course, my "Birthday" lantern (1943). I almost didn't buy it but the year, well just could not pass it up. I also talked with Ian Ashton about this and his feeling at the time was the same as you stated here; Wartime, anything was possible. Could not rule it out. I have the Vapalux 300 and two E41s dated 1942. All three are very reliable and have never given me any heartburn. Very well made lanterns.
You nailed the paint because as a non collector I just assumed it was original on a mint condition lantern. You have the raw talent of a forger or counterfeiter .
Beautiful! Although I suspect that back in the day, very few users followed the instructions on the decal to the letter - weekly emptying and cleaning of reservoir
I find that yellow decal a very colourful addition to those grey tanks. The intent of it, superfluous as it is, reminds me of the drab-green days of the army.
Hi I know this was a few years ago but do you know where I can obtain the tank transfer for my own restoration. Thanks Colin
Hi @colindt I think Gary has sent you a link to Ian Wrights email? He is on ebay as arty_pharty and also sells transfers/decals for tilley lamps etc If you don’t want to use the email link you can send him a message on ebay about what you would like ; he is very helpful.. there is also a tutorial about applying the transfers Alternatively if you want to make your own as some members have done there is a good picture of the decal here on the forum ; just click on the main menu.. go to Fettling Forum and look for the Lamp Decals best regards pb
