Fulton MX-991\U: original or reproduction

[Eloi]

Hi everybody,

Yesterday I purchased this Fulton MX-991\U in a surplus store. When picking it, I thought that it was original, because I have checked that everything was riveted instead of using screws, and the markings seemed correct.

But, when I arrived home and started to disassembly I've found a couple of things:

- The PR6 bulbs are made in China.

- Above the Fulton brand, there is a scraping or similar. Maybe someone tried to erase something here. The seller from the surplus store said: "They come from the Dutch army".

-The model number appears as MX-991\U. If I search on the internet, most pictures depict MX-991/U. But here at CPF, some users refer it as MX-991\U.

- It comes with three flat gaskets, which seem correct to me: One for the lower section, one for the lens and the other one for the upper section. But a slightly different O-ring is included also. If I am right, the correct assembly sequence is:

Outer shell ---- gasket ----- plastic lens ---- reflector

What do you think guys? Original, reproduction or Frankenstein from some original parts? It's my first Fulton and I don't have anything at hand in order to compare.

BR,
Eloi.

 

[TIFisher]

Looks legit to me. Only difference I see between your sample and mine is the model stamp orientation and "US" stamp adjacent on mine. Probably just different years of manufacturing. The bulb might just be an aftermarket replacement. No biggie. I've already replaced my bulb with an LED version.

 

[leukos]

Same here, looks legit with aftermarket lamp. The model stamp is the same as both of mine. Did it have any colored lenses in the tailcap? Mod it and enjoy!

 

[Eloi]

Hi guys!

Thanks for your replies!

Yes, it has some filters and the spare bulb. The spare bulb is also from China.

My idea is to keep it as original as possible, without any permanent mods. Buuut.... I think that I have some P13.5S LED bulbs somewhere. I'll clean the flashlight when time allows (there is some corrosion in the upper part of the switch plate) and then I will test the LED bulbs. If the beam does not look very ugly.... It will keep the LED bulb in.

What do you think about the gaskets? I did an "exploded view" of what I think that is correct. But the

TIFisher

sample seems to have a conventional o-ring instead of the flat ones.

BR,
Eloi.

 

[bykfixer]

There were MX-991/U and MX-991\U made. The vast majority had / next to the U though. Same light, just a different "slash" on some. They are still being made.

Fulton sells an LED upgrade kit. There was a giant purchase by the US Marines a few years ago that came with the upgrade kit.

 

[TIFisher]

What do you think about the gaskets? I did an "exploded view" of what I think that is correct. But the

@TIFisher

sample seems to have a conventional o-ring instead of the flat ones.

Yeah. The original flat ring rotted out so I replaced it with a standard o-ring. Strange, because the flat ring on the tailcap end is still good!?

 

[bluflaam777]

someone may have put petroleum-based oil/grease on it at some point over the years. Even Vaseline would cause that over time. It does take some time, but these aren't new lights. Or it may have been exposed to some other chemical.

I was working on a project at my desk and had WD-40 on my hands and fiddled with my phone at some point. Within 2 weeks the rubberized-plastic case started to break apart where I had touched it. I think being exposed to the WD40 + exposed to the air mucked it up.

edited for spelling

 

[Eloi]

Thnks everybody for your answers!

At the beginning, I used petroleum jelly / vaseline for the o-rings. But later I've learned that it degrades rubbers and plastics. So, I currently use silicone grease only.

I think that I'll use the "spare" o-ring to seal the color lens compartment and that's it.

 

[Eloi]

Finally, I have cleaned it up, lubed the gaskets, etc. I've got rid of the switch rust with a 00 sandpaper, but I don't have any proper paint for it. I have covered the nick with a bit of sikicone grease also.

I put another chinese krypton bulb I had for 2D cell flashlight and now the beam is more or less acceptable. Fortunately, I don't expect a VC to appear on my basement, but the light works!

To the collection it goes!

 

[bykfixer]

Congrats on getting it tip top.

I put a 2 cell Maglite whitestar krypton in mine and it was brighter than with a stock argon bulb.

 

[Eloi]

Probably I'll get some of these when a friend goes to the US. If I purchase them from Ebay, I'll always pay more for the shipping than for the goods itself.

 

[leukos]

Just for posterity: here are two genuine Fultons with both markings. The one on the right I replaced the switch with a waterproof Bright Star switch.

 

[Eloi]

Wow! that switch mod looks very "tactical". It may be because of the torx screws ;-)