I'm totally new to this forum but thought I'd join and share a picture of a Tilley heater that's been in my family for over 50 years. My parents used to use it for heating when first married. Can anyone date it please? It still works, as you can see in the photos, but does need some work doing to it. Probably a new vapouriser stem and on/off valve (it drips paraffin at the bottom). Also a new washer in the pump. Is anyone able to advise what spares I need for it please?
Looks to be in pretty good condition. Probably about 1950 to 1954 ish model R1 radiator. The washer kit you need is in the Fettlebox Tilley Washer Kit - The Fettlebox It's the same as the parts for all the 1950s lamps and heaters. The control cock leak is likely to be from the gland and will probably just want a tweak of the knurled gland nut to stop it weeping. ::Neil::
Is the pump leather worn out, split or just dry ? If the latter, rejuvenate it with a little light oil e.g. 3 - in - 1, olive oil, neats foot oil etc. Either way get it sorted before buying a new vapouriser, you may find that with good pressure, the mantle will really give out some heat. Get a mirror finish on that copper reflector, sit back and bask in the warm glow.
Welcome to the forum, that's a fine R1 Tilley heater and its been in your family for 50 years that amazing.
The leather in the pump is rather worn out, but I did put some 3-in-1 on it and it just about works. I've got a boxed, unused, asbestos mantle. I'm not sure where I picked it up from over the years, but being what it is I don't really want to touch it! I see pictures of them fitted to the R1, but my gauze mantle is still serviceable, albeit with a small hole present. Thanks for the welcome, everyone
I understand your concern but being unused, it won't be as dangerous as you may think. If you like the idea of having it as a display item but are worried about inhaling microscopic fibres, you can seal the mantle by spraying it with some clear lacquer (hair spray will do). Obviously do this outdoors and wear a suitable mask. Please don't bin it, there may be someone other than myself who would appreciate it.
Cheapest hair lacquer you can find is best not the soft hold fancy perfumed stuff. It seals mantles quite well and also strengthens them so they travel better. I have mailed lamps with lacquered mantles and they have survived. They can also still be used because the lacquer flash burns off when pre heating which is perhaps a little startling but leaves the mantle intact. ::Neil::
@Matty Not necessarily. The asbestos mantles are knitted from asbestos yarn rather than woven from a thread and are much more robust than lamp mantles.
Doesn't seem to matter. Lamp mantles distort with the blast but remain intact and bounce back. Same sort of effect as applying a blow lamp flame. I have never had one collapse due to lacquering. ::Neil::
I sent a lantern to the US recently with an unlacquered mantle which survived the postal system. I thought it would be, er, 'cool' if the mantle were to burn on two continents. Then the recipient broke it with his thumb - no names; no pack drill, but you know who you are! There's another one currently on its way to Sweden - and not just Stockholm, either - when it gets there it's about only halfway through its journey! Fingers and toes crossed for that one...
