Considering buying and restoring this lamp or similar. Was just wondering from this condition how far can you go with home DIY methods? Would like to symyptathically restore the lamp cosmetically and also have it working. Also is this a Vapalux 300 (it is stamped Vapalux Halifax and under 1944)? Would there have originally been a lid on top and would the glass originally have a hole in it?
It looks like a Vapalux 300 from here and, yes, it would have had a vitreous enamelled hat on it at one time. Quite possibly it also had a globe with a lighting hole. Don't worry too much about that especially if you intend lighting the lantern and using it frequently. The glass is rather brittle and doesn't take much to break it - they have also been know to crack spontaneously and I've had a couple go that way. I like the idea of a 'sympathetic restoration' i.e. returning it to a state resembling what it was like when it left the factory OR tidying it up to some extent whilst maintaining the patina accumulated over the past 80-odd years. I positively do not like unsympathetic, so-called 'restorations' which involve polishing a lantern to within an inch of its life thus removing every trace of character and history the lantern may have had. But each to his own. Is that a steel tank? If so, it can't be polished - huzzah!
@frlrubett I do recommend....do nothing on this lantern. It looks just perfect with its used colour combination. I once made the mistake, of polishing a very unusual coloured lantern. And was not happy after. This is, what it looked like. And should have stayed in green. Grrr....
Easy! You should see the wrecks I've slavaged from the scrap heap! All it needs is cleaning, a lick of paint (if that's your thing), a new set of seals, a pump leather and a replacement enamel cap and she'll look grand. The only problem area might be the vaporiser.
No Matty, I'm still talking about the original poster's Vapalux with what looks like a plain steel tank - see his first post right at the top of the thread...
That's what most people just say who have tried stripping and polishing a lantern and had no luck with it "oh just leave it as it is it's got patina" but really it's just covered in pigeon poo and grime that is not patina in my book but hey everyone to there own, I like my lamps looking new or even better than they came from the factory as its a achievement and the end result is very satisfying,
Accepting and valuing patina is not the easy way out. It is philosophically accepting the true nature of life. Not fighting time. Not removing history. Not trying to be perfect.
Been a long week... thanks for the replies. The seller has said there has been a old repair to the tank, is that anything to be concerned about? Someone mentioned a replacement hood, I am not sure what I would be looking for there. I would need to match the patina 100%. Might end up acquiring another lamp for parts but I quite like the look without the hood - will that effect performance? Regarding the vaporiser, does the 6" one fit? Does anyone have a picture of one of these lamps, in this era in prime original condition? I would really like a lamp, which has that 1944 ish era stamp with war wounds, showing its age but looking like a working lamp. So the bare metal is rust free but not shining, the paint is peeling, cracked but preserved as it is.
@frlrubett Have a look in the reference gallery there is a couple there, like this one 1944 Vapalux 300
Correct. It depends what it is and how well it's been done. Worst case scenario is you'd need a replacement tank if you couldn't repair the original No, and there's only one Vapalux/Bialaddin vapouriser. Look in the Lamp Reference Gallery...
In that case, you can leave the hood as it is. Immerse the frame in citric acid or vinegar until all the rust drops out from the bare metal, brush the remaining ones off with a toothbrush, water rinse, neutralize with sodium carbonate, drying and then rub oil on it with a rag. Do not abrade or use anything that could leave any marks on it. Clean out the fount and other serviceable parts, replace seals, etc. Wash off the dirt with kerosene only. Do not polish. Make sure its leak-free and try to make functional that way. You'd then not remove any age-acquired finish except the rust, grime and dirt.
