I think you may be right Christer. The wheel looks like it might be another plumbing part - from a small gate valve. Is there any other burner which has a control wheel vertically through the bottom? As it is a paraffin/kero burner with an air screw, it doesn't need a control valve.
Would it help if I post some additional pictures? If so, what of specifically? I'll tell you all this, I'm scared as heck to attempt to light this thing now after you "experts" contemplated what might happen!!! I do appreciate all of the input. I have been curious about this thing since the day I picked it up. Someone suggested I post it here back then, but it took me a while. I'm glad I finally got around to it. Oh, yes I looked closer at the patent date on the filler cap and it is 93, not 98. Thanks.
By the way, the "head" can't be rotated fully vertical without the control valve knob hitting the tank (fount?). It can get to about a 2:00 position. Therefore, I don't that cup on top of it could be used to preheat.
Some of my American Primus collection. Back row from left to right: Stove A: legless bare-tank Primus (Lovett) with base stand and trivet Stove B: legless bare-tank Primus (Lovett) without base or trivet Stove C: Original Lovett branded "Primus" with factory supplied Juwel burner Front row from left to right: Stove D: engraved Primus with factory legs and factory installed Juwel pump Stove E: Hydrocarbon Burner Company "Primus" with sloppy added-later-by-owner legs The back row stoves, A, B, and C. Stove A & B Stove A Stove A cap detail Stove B Stove B cap detail Stove C cap detail - this stove is already posted in the CCS Gallery with many more detailed pictures and a minor discussion on fettling and history Stove D & E Stove D details and cap details Stove E and cap details Catalogs posters should read in their entirety for more information on these stoves: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/9378 https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/9387 https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/201 https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/12093 https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/11194 For those who have not troubled themselves to look yet, an excerpt from the 1901 Lovett catalog showing some of the alternative burners they were using at that time: Likely other burners were used on these early stoves as well. There's lots more to know (and impart), but I'll quit for now and allow those who are interested to go forth and find the knowledge in these references. The rest of the experts are welcome to happily continue posting their speculations. Good luck on that.
BernieDawg, Thanks for the pictures. That is the tank alright. Here are a few more pictures. You all let me know if you want to see something else, beside me dealing with a fireball.
Even if it should turn out to be a home made application, you shouldn't be afraid of lighting it as long as you take care. One thing that might be a snag for you is that this burner probably runs on petrol (gas). Atleast it sure looks like a petrolburner to me. Your tank is made for paraffin (kero), and has no safety devices for this fuel, and if you don't have a positive shut off valve before the burner, you might need to be a bit careful. And you really should get rid of that wheel at the back of the preheter cup so that you can position it upwards.
Why do I keep getting the vision of Heron of Alexandria's aeolipile come into my mind? Could it share a genetic history with the legendary Oozlam bird? In terms of the orientation of the burner, if the burner doesn't sit upright with the tank on a flat surface, I just wonder if maybe the tank was supported above the ground on a shelf if the burner was used to heat a bulb engine? Cheers, Graham.
The thing is that the burner doesn't sit upright at any point as long as that rod with the wheel still are attached, and interfere with the tank. That's what make the whole setup a bit fishy... Otherwise you are correct. Older hot bulb engines usually had a little shelf for their blow lamps, formed to support the rim of the tank. Like this one from one of my Swedish engine catalogues (The heater is a Primus. The horizontal engines generally used a stove-type burner, while the vertical ones used a regular blow lamp).: Nice metaphor with Herons steam ball by the way!
I hope to have pictures of it running soon. I have a fire extinguisher, flame retardent suit, and welding goggles ready to go. Seriously, I will post updated pictures and information soon thanks to this forum. I had no idea how potentially unique this item was when I picked it up. Gotta love finding stuff like this in the wild and having a group of ardent collectors/experts to refer to about it. Thanks to all here for the warm welcome and magnitude of information on this piece. I believe I will be a regular visitor here. Lots to learn from the members and posted information. Scott
Okay folks, here she is running on Coleman fuel thanks to a member here. The real action starts at about the 3:00 mark. http://youtu.be/OFwNQUrM-30
And... just a quick disclaimer. Using Coleman fuel in a tank with a vent screw can be very dangerous. Never open that vent screw when there is fire present. Only burn this rig: - for short periods as a novelty - with fire extinguisher(s) present - in the out of doors - with at least one other person in attendance. Thanks!
And, here's the link to the webpage photos of the disassembly/reassembly: http://home.comcast.net/~bigdog660/Misc_Work/American_Primus_Frankie.html]http://home.comcast.net/~bigdog660/Misc_Work/American_Primus_Frankie.html[/url]
My utmost gratitude to BernieDawg for taking this project on and doing a fantastic job on the restore and documentation. Despite his enthusiasm for such an item, I greatly appreciate his "safety first" philosophy. He is an expert, yet even he took the necessary precautions. It's kind of like those car commercials where they state "professional driver on a closed course. Do not attempt this." I am very happy I found this forum. My experiences thus far have been great and very informative. Thank you again BernieDawg - you're the best. Scott
