Just want to make sure of the model #'s ,

Making sure I am correct , ,
x246 , KL80 , x246a , and x246b ?

 

Hi @D_Vernon

is there any stamping to state x246a on this one?



if it just says Tilley (Owl) Hendon then its an x246 deluxe

 

None but the Pork Pie has any marking/ label , at least the Pork Pie has a decal that says "x246" , I'm in the US , Google images are pretty much all I have to go on at this point

 

Pic of the fount

 

Not related to your question, but non of your lanterns has the tank that's called "pork pie".
Check this to see how they look.

 

this is the 1st version of the x246, from 1945 to 1950



this is the 2nd version of the x246, from 1950 to the mid ‘50’s
(known as the ‘Guardsman’



tilley had to change the tank shape as they had issues with the tank distorting.. ( there had already been issues with the handle, the hood, the cage etc)…

so they went back to an earlier tank shape and tweaked it to take the steel cage, used an enamelled steel hood and the successful ‘Guardsman’ was born

your lamps look to be in a1 form there

 

The first photo of @podbros shows what’s called the “pork pie” tank of the X246. There were a few variations to the cage, hood and bail on the “pork pie” X246 between 1946 and 1949.


Cheers

Tony

 

they do look similar all these flippin’ tilleys…



anyway the x246A can look like this one, another image from the reference gallery courtesy from @Buggerlugs below



i think most members here will concur that this excellent book by Jim Dick will help with any distinctions between models and is a great read in itself

 

I really need that book

 

there is a seller on ebay uk that might ship to you ?
or you can get them from Tilley international

but beware.. it really whets your appetite

 

Ha , tariffs and import fees curb that appetite

 

There is a lantern with Guardsman-type appearance but with X246A on the tank, thus the very earliest version. Very rare and not even Neil had one. By pure good luck, I have one and it's on here somewhere - probably in the library.

I'll have a look...

Edit: Here we are - 1961 (August) X246 'Guardsman' - or is it? | Classic Pressure Lamps & Heaters

 

The only problem with books like that is wanting everything in it. I have the same problem with a 1912 BSA rifle catalog
Two problems with that idea - finding everything and being able to afford it if you do
And as for the Coleman book.....