I like Pl53's they have a charm of their own, They are easy to fettle if the vapouriser is good, the plentiful supply of dead ones can provide handy parts for other tilley projects. If you are ever hunting for a nice old pump, glass or fuel cock for an early tilley lamp you will probably find it on a PL53.
I’m with you on the PL53s @BigStevie. They are one of my favourite Tilley lamps. They have a presence all of their own. Now, you do know we need to see the money shots from both of these fine lady’s. Cheers Pete
I've not had much luck with the later Tilley PL53's as the few i've had have suffered from stress cracks on the founts but i had another go and bought some earlier, straight handled ones recently and they both work very nicely indeed after a little fettling, I believe i spoke to the lady regarding those ones but she wasn't willing to post so i'm glad they ended up in a good home .
I also love these PL53 lamps, there's definitely something special about the way they look, maybe call me old fashion but they have a style from the past.