Decided to strip down the tire pump to see if it could be got to work again. Component parts are very simple, in fact just the same as my Dad's old bike pump. Once I had split the tube from its base, taken off the top and pulled out the main shaft, I could see the problem - the leather grommet which forms the main seal of the pump was the wrong way round! So, after a good clean and thorough re-greasing I teak oiled the handle and painted the OD parts with Owatrol Oil (paint preservative-Penetrol in USA). Even though the paint is rough and a bit rusty in places its the original OD finish so I thought it best preserved rather than repainted. Tire pump now fully functional! (although it will need replacement hose of the correct length with the nice little brass nozzle adapters - when I've saved up some more pennies)
Also re-sprayed the jeep's rear wheel hubs!
Tire Pump PartsTire Pump