Here is a single stove version of this model. Fact is that it is made the same year, 1932. First I was doubtful if it was the original stove in this stand but obviously it is. The reason why I not was sure is the three submerged parts in the top of the stand. It seems like it is made for a stove with fixed legs, like a nr 5 or so. But maybe just a gadget to make it possible to use other kind of stoves. Bo
Ahhh those French! Don't you just love that enamel? I've been drooling over this Auto-Optimus currently up for sale but can't afford it or the shipping costs. Ben
I think the Primus 54 is original. Have a look at this advert from a 1929 catalogue. The catalogue is here.
Hi Ben What the heck did you post that image for? I became curious and was browsing on it. After that I was sold, just like the stove is right now. So now I am $200 poorer and one stove, that I actually didn't need, richer. Will post some additional images when it has arrive. Bo
Congratulations, I'm so glad you picked that stove up! It looks like a beauty. I'd have bought it myself but I'm running out of room and the shipping cost on such a heavy stove would be painful. I can't wait to see the photos. Ben
@optipri Bo, I featured what is now your Auto Optimus stove HERE. I'd be interested to hear on the working of the 'auto' feature. John
Yes, that's the one. I'll make a post when it has arrive. It is a rare item I believe, I have never seen the stamping Auto-Optimus on any stove before. But I have no idea what the Auto stands for. The shipping for this item was actually descent so the total was affordable. My barn is getting a bit crowded but for such a beauty there is still space. Bo
Perhaps it's the thing they claim - "burns without use of the pump - self-lighting" - that's behind the Auto designation?
Yes, before 1930 Optimus made a whole rage of 'Automatic' stoves. They tend to have a large priming cup that sits closer to the tank so that most of the riser tube plus the burner unit are heated. From a 1917-18 catalogue:
That Auto Light feature is actually really nice. You don't have to stick around to light the stove when the meths burns out. Instead you can walk away and come back later when the stove is going and give it a few pumps. My Pyro Patent operates the same way. I think you'll like it a lot. Ben
A great kitchen stove from the times, when the wood-burning kitchen stove was the main cooking stove and for heathing as well. During the warm season it was very handy to have a kerosene stove for cooking. Of course not a cheap product, everyone could afford at the times, so why should it be a bargain today? This stoves (the green enamelled cast parts) are a Swiss product made in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. The town is French and German speaking hence the double name. There was metal industry, foundries, even cars and early aeroplanes were made, and it was (and still is) the centre of the watchmaking industry. Best Regards Radler
That was interesting information. Maybe the same company produced the cast iron parts for all brands. They looks very much the same neither it is a Primus a Sievert or an Optimus. That Auto feature is smart, wonder why it not became more popular. Must have been produced during a short period. Bo
I've bought last year the same stand with a Primus No.54. I think it's original. It has fixed stands.
@Dutch Isaak , one of our members here ( @z1ulike ) Ben, had one of those shipped here from the EU, only to have it heavily damaged and thought to be beyond restoration. He was gratious enough to ship it here to me, where a fried and I brought it back from the grave, to soldier on once again! https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/heartbreak.37043/ Murph
Hello all I found a Primus 54 SE from 1929 (T20) and I still wonder about the firm who produced the stands Radler wrote : "This stoves (the green enamelled cast parts) are a Swiss product made in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. The town is French and German speaking hence the double name. There was metal industry, foundries, even cars and early aeroplanes were made, and it was (and still is) the centre of the watchmaking industry." Is there anyone who would have information about the company that made these stands ?
