Well I bought these old naval navigation port and starboard lights off here few weeks back ,cos I love anything nautical especially a bit of brass or copper , but have fancied some lamps for along time and not come across any genuine ones so when I saw these that needed restoring I trundled off down to Portsmouth , met up with dale and the rest was much scraping , de caking and polishing which still has a bit further to go . Today I thought I’d get the electrics sorted to the starboard one which is almost there .fitted a base plate inside inch or so up from the bottom bought some new brass bolts and lamp holders and some mini clear globe bulbs . As you can see the starboard one has taken more of a bashing and salt attack ,the port one is not quite so bad but needs the top bolt sorting and new brass bolts andlamp base . I’ve loved doing them but it’s tested my fingers and joints asits all been hand scrubbed and polished. Here’s a few pics showing progress so far !! Then for some soldering riveting and proper elbow grease ! Next page coming
Fitted one light platform fittings and wired up found a nice new grommet to bring wire thru and inline switch , nowjust port to do a bit of soldering on and do same with platform etc then , give it a couple of days final polishing and fitting new feet
You can see where the electrolytic action with the salt and acid have started to plate the brass back plate which has taken various grades of wet and dry and wire wool with potions to remove ,but I’m thinking of leaving the final layer as patina and evidence of its work at sea don’t want it to clinical huh .
Love that programme ,some clever people on there ,that lady that does the China and her brother the clock maker especially but they are all amazing . Need the time and patience huh
The port one will too once lit . I’m thinking maybe I might have to build my bar to put them on some day huh
Great show. Lots of good stories to go with the items. The metal worker who’s stuck outside is good and I like Steve the watch repairer. All talented people.
Bit more work on the port side one which you can see hasn’t taken as much abuse from the sea and salt . A wee bit more building up the polish and they will be there Few days off fa birthday n Christmas then onto next project !?
