Paraffin blowlamp help needed

[SignalFailure]

I bought this 'vintage' paraffin blowlamp/torch at a steam fair today (it cost me 3 UKP and suffice to say there was no brass visible at all until I gave it an initial de-crudding). I'm a bit stumped with the pump though - when I finally managed to unscrew it instead of the expected nut at the end to allow disassembly I find it's been soldered - as the end is slotted I'm guessing that it originally just screwed in to the tube??

The spring feels good but I'm not sure about the (leather??) washer thats probably lurking inside - should I desolder it and risk burning the contents or is there some way I can test it without desoldering? I'm not really sure how the pump is supposed to work - it has holes either side as well as in the slotted end.

It probably won't get used in earnest but I'd like to have it in working condition at least.

Cheers

Paul

PS If it's of interest to anyone I think its a 'Taymax' made in Manchester around 1920-1940.

PPS Can't upload images at present - directory not writeable on server apparently.

 

[SignalFailure]

Images:

https://picasaweb.google.com/ouramazingpast/ModelEngineering#5614976502279079810

https://picasaweb.google.com/ouramazingpast/ModelEngineering#5614976502736665346

 

[Maryak]

Paul,

Hope this helps

Best Regards
Bob

 

[SignalFailure]

Hi Bob

Yes I realised the knurled part unscrewed but it doesn't allow me to remove the 'contents' - they get stuck at the top....maybe more elbow grease neede? ;D

Cheers

Paul

 

[hopeless]

maybe yes. If its been dry for a long time and the washer was at the bottom the leather may have formed that shape as it dried. just don't go too crazy when trying to pull it apart
Pete