I'm currently on hold for my 118A restore, so I got started into a cleanup on my latest auction find. It is an undated fount, which I understand puts it at pre 1924, and are very commonly available. Any way to get a closer date? When I took it apart, I found a paper under the fount bell with a number on it. Here is the disassembled pieces. I had began using Bar Keepers Friend to clean up the fount, but noticed that a small discoloration was actually rust under the nickel plating, and rubbing with the cleaner and sponge had dislodged the nickel. I stopped with the aggressive cleaning, and went to Mothers metal polish. I like the results, but I do wish I could get a higher gloss shine on the fount. And last but not least is how I imagine the lamp may have been used; After dealing with the family all day, Mom takes the evening, using her Sears and Roebuck "Minnesota A" to begin that new dress she has wanted. Jerry
I have seen a paper like that too, and I have atleast one CQ where it still remains under the cover. Or if it was an Arcolight... Someone explained what it meant many years ago when I asked about it on the old BBL forum, but I have forgotten what it was now. And that forum is also long gone, so not easy to retrieve the answer again... I guess it was part of some sort of quality control.
Well, I have to admit that the only "repair" needed was to repack the fuel valve as it was leaking very slowly. Initially tried adding some packing, but didn't seem to help, so went ahead and pulled old and packed in new graphite impregnated string. No leaks after. This was suppose to be one of the pictures, but during editing, I wound up with two of rust on the fount. Jerry
