I found an O-ring that, at a stretch, fitted on the overflow pipe. Even with the float valve forced open, the joint now drips only very slowly - a very useful improvement.Thank you Charnwood.
I reckon the O-ring is being pushed onto the 45deg lip at the bottom of the collar and onto the outside of the overflow pipe, by the end of the threaded cistern pipe, albeit rather unevenly - hence the drips.
I'm still very curious to know what the original seal looked like and/or how it was engineered, if anyone remembers or has one.
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