What a nice first post to this thread!
I seem to remember someone saying that Petit Jean were a division of Stainton, which is why their columns and brackets are similar, or am I just going mad?
Interesting about the column doors... I didn't think about why (most) on the new columns are installed with the doors facing to the side of the pavement. Makes sense though. I haven't noticed the column doors become higher... Some of the highest column doors we have for side roads are British Steel types from the 80s, but the Phosco types are lower. Obviously just a difference in manufacture.
I wonder how long it will take for an air-tight/ water-tight column base to make an appearance! I guess it may encourge more remote geared lanterns to be produced again. Which will hopefully mean they are smaller and more attractive! (Alhough I do like some older internally geared lanterns) *cough*Beta9HW11600*cough*