I have two primer tanks I pulled off ages ago. Only thing is the fiddly springs. Hopefully I pick one without a faulty diaphragm should I go that route.
I have no compunction modernising for the better, unless it's of paramount importance to adhere to originality. Not in this case it's not.

I appreciate both your inputs.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!