Of the paraffin burning pressure lamp variety. I don't fancy Coleman fuel/petrol indoors, and a duplex wick lamp is not really bright enough. I seek not a valuable or authentic collectors lamp, but one for everyday use and with replacement parts readily available. Since Tilley table lamps have not been made for some years, the choice seems to be between an old but working or readily fettled Tilley table lamp or a new Vapalux table lamp at a cost of almost £200. Though Vapalux are a respected make, I am not that keen on them simply due to greater familiarity with Tilley products and the fact that I have large stocks of spare Tilley parts. I don't mind a bit of MINOR fettling such as replacing components, but seek a reliable light source and not a restoration project. The base camp had for sale a "non original" Tilley table lamp made up with a tank intended for a Tilley radiator, IIRC. Rather regret not buying it. Not seen one since. I would be interested in hearing the thoughts of others.
I might be run out of town for this but I reckon you might need an Aladdin Wick+Mantle type. Don't overlook them, white bright light which leaves a duplex way behind. Kero but no preheat and no hiss.
Well, I've heard these wick and mantle types can have their uses in, er, certain romantic situations. I've also heard that they can get into some sort of positive feedback loop and run away with themselves resulting in a huge smoky flame right up the chimney and a large sooty mark on the ceiling (or perhaps worse). That would be guaranteed to kill the romance in no time, that would. Anyway, that's what prevents [strike]me[/strike] a friend using [strike]mine[/strike] his. Not that [strike]I[/strike] he gets into any romantic situations these days, mind you. Oh no, most definitely not... Yep, a Tilley table lamp would fit the bill but you absolutely must have an opalescent glass shade fitted. These make a huge difference to the illumination provided, changing the harsh, dazzling light with stark shadows that doesn't reach the far corners of the room into a soft, warm glow which I find most pleasant. I find the hiss to be gently relaxing, too and I like the slight whiff of kero vapour in the morning. Obviously I'm a hopeless case when it comes to these lamps. 8) I wouldn't be using an old Bialaddin table lamp because there are no shades to be easily had and I definitely won't be shelling out £200 or whatever for a new Korean one. Perish the thought...
David, the Aladdins are fine as long as you don't turn them up too high and let them warm up gradually (and don't leave them alone ).
I already have an Alladin mantle lamp but am not entirely satisfied with it for regular use. The wicks and mantles are expensive, and I have a fear of the lamp being upset and the spilled fuel igniting. A pressure lamp with a sealed and pressure tight fount seems safer ? I was never that keen on a new Vapalux table lamp at nearly £200, and on hearing that they are imported have definatly gone off that idea. So unless I can find an affordable and serviceable Tilley table lamp, the only other option seems to be to assemble one out of mainly X246B parts. I will start a new thread about this in the proper section.
I wouldn't let the fact that they're imported put me off - the price, yes; imported, no. The new owner bought the tooling and such from Bairstows in Halifax and had it sent to South Korea. I've not seen any of the new production but it's apparently at least as well-engineered as the UK stuff. There have also been some cosmetic changes, some of which I like and some I don't. Many of us here in the UK have Tilley table lamps coming out of our ears - I certainly have - and obtaining a decent one for a reasonable price shouldn't be an issue. It depends what you consider reasonable, I suppose. Are you going to Newark?
+1 on the Aladdin experience, David The lamps on the sides are as reliable as they come and with the Veritas etched globes fitted, kind to the eyes.
having thought about this for a bit, I think that the way forward is to consider buying a Tilley table lamp, perhaps via this forum. Something a bit like the one on the right hand side of the above picture. Any idea what might be a fair price ? Remembering that I seek NOT an authentic or in original condition lamp, but a serviceable light source, that is more pleasing to the eye than a storm lantern on the dining table. I think that original Tilley table lamp glasses are now scarce and valuable, so a Veritas or similar gas light shade might be better. If the glass gets broken, a readily available gas light shade sounds a good idea.
Broadgage Post a "Wanted" notice in the trade section of this website. The glass shades for Tilley lamps are still available, also. Cheers Tony
