Despite my resolution not to expand my modest collection of Willis & Bates lamps, I am unable to curb my well trained curiosity of what 'might turn up' on a national digital dutch Classifieds. Offerings are sparse, in fact very sparse in The Low Lands, but once in a while something worthwhile turns up, like a Bialaddin T20 last year (thread in the planning). Two days ago I spotted a cobbled-together 310 model offered for sale, that was presented together with a E41 tank that seemed complete and authentic with a brass pricker control knob. Both are not often encountered, and despite some minor denting in the tank, judged on clear enough pictures by seller, I offered good money for just the tank. Seller agreed, and was very quick to mail the tank to me: it arrived today. A slight disappointment I felt by concluding the fuel cap indeed was unmarked, but a bigger disappointment was mine when I realised the excenter body was drilled sideways, and the top modified to accept an electrical fitting. That I had not noticed from seller's pictures, nor was there any written indication of it in the ad. With a remnant of the original and exclusive wartime red washer, it is such a contrast with a pricker control that effectively is ruined with the excenter victim to that drill bit, and consequently, a control rod that can be pulled out without effort. Mind, all can be fixed, or re-created, as the chances are slim indeed to find a period-correct replacement. In conclusion, this is yet again an illustration of how expected things can turn out differently. Sometimes for the better, but not seldom for the worse. Mind, no direct plans for this tank, or lower floor for an E41 lamp. I just felt like securing these rare parts for a possible project in the future, that, despite the mishap, present an answer to an as yet unknown question. Mike
@M.Meijer Mike, future planning. Good thought. That control cock looks like it is brass. What a shame... I completed a restoration on an early 300 Vapalux, 1943, with the E41 enamel top (blue/gray). I could not get a clear picture of the lantern from the seller's pictures, even though he worked with me on picture, etc. I bought it anyway. I could not pass it up. The price was just right! Anyway, my point being when I cleaned it up and restored it completely it turned out to be no longer an ugly duckling but a lovely swan! The tank was almost completely free of any large dents, all parts present and accounted for! You win some, and you lose some. You now have some parts to work. Good luck! George
George, George, I think you’re rubbing it in a wee bit. Like Mike I bought a pig in a poke recently, a PL53 with straight handle, didn’t seem to have any dents in tank until I got it and turned it over to find two lumps of solder in the base!
George, no offence taken. You are right that buying 'long distance' can go both ways, and I am comfortable with that. After all, buying anything CPL-related is a luxury, and in this case it still is a welcome project, even if I paid too much for it. And, as I contacted seller, he just might take responsibility (by dutch law, sellers are responsible for what they sell, even in good faith, and ignorance has not any ground) and come my way a bit. Regardless, this thread might serve as to hear or read what any of you would do, ending up with a unique base in this case, but where to find the rest of it to make it complete and/or presentable? I.o.w. where are the top floors, if there at all. After all, this is a scarce model lamp by now, and no sensible suggestion can be too wild, innit?
