Hi, Yesterday I received a Pocket Primus Outfit from a good stove-friend. I believe that the Pocket Primus outfit was made primarily for the UK market, and this is a fairly late model, date coded for 1955 (AU). Unfortunately the outfit has suffered from poor storage in very damp conditions.... Here are some "before" photos: The tin has suffered significant rust damage. It would originally have been bright tin plated as shown by the remaining areas on the inside of the lid. However, the container protected its contents and we have a complete, unmolested, Primus 96-based outfit to restore to health. I like to get my stoves working before making them pretty. I have renewed all the seals and washers, flushed out the tank, and removed most of the loose dirt from surfaces. I put some fresh paraffin in the tank and had it operating. Here are some photos of work in progress: The stove now has a lovely flame pattern and easily passed the Kerophile "Tea Test". I am pleased, and very grateful to my friend. Best Regards, Kerophile.
Hi George Looking very good so far 8) & if it turns out as good as all your other stoves it will be a credit to your collection Stu
Hi Kerophile very nice indeed,i am rather fond of the little 96's,a beautifull little hiking stove. What a shame though the outfit, has been stored in such poor condition,the case has realy suffered with the dreaded rust. A lot of our pressure stoves we find, have been used for a short period of time, and then just left and forgotton about in either a damp shed loft or celler,at the mercy of the elements and damp. I realy do find it satisfieing,bringing back to life and heath a stove lantern and blowlamp i find that has been neglected for decades.
Every collection should have one! George - what is the item shown at the front of the tin in the 3rd & 4th pics? An interesting item of paraffinalia?
I also bought a Primus 96 from UK which was in the same state as yours. Now it works fine and I use it on trips regularly.
Hi Kero I assume the later picture of the tin is following an electrolysis bath? Its a shame that there is no way of resurfacing these badly damaged tins but I suppose once cleaned and then stabilized in some way the damage is a badge of honour! I have Briwaxed [solvent based furniture polish] the tins on mine and this seals the surface and gives a pleasing but subtle finish I always think of a stove from the 50s as fairly new, but then have to remind myself that this is now 60 odd years old!But that is probably because despite being born in 1959 there is no way that I feel old [in mind at least the old body throws up the odd surprise or reminder that I am not as young as I was now and then!!!]. I love a 96 and this outfit in particular as it is one of these that got me into stoves in the first place. I still remember the first time I got it working as a stove rather than a box of interesting bits that didn't work and the immense pleasure that gave me. I now have 2 of these outfits plus another four 96s addicted no! What a roar they have too. Cheers Nick.
Spiritburner said I was wondering that too. Having looked again, I see that it's got a screw-on cap and it's about the right size that I imagine that it is a match case. This would have been from the days when smoking was almost obligatory and Swan Vestas (strike anywhere matches) were much more commonly used. Best regards John
Nick - I suffer that syndrome too! Being 3 years younger I struggle to get so interested in stoves from the 60's.
George, did I accidentally send you that stove? Because I am sure that I have (had) one in my garage in exactly the same state as your 'before' photos.
Hi everyone, Thanks for your interest and comments. Trevor, good try! Ross and Jeopardy, There were a couple of "extras" in the box; a spirit-cup from a 1.75/2 pint stove, and the little container. This container is blue translucent plastic with a screw-on cap. I took some photos: The container originally contained "Kwells" motion-sickness tablets. However, it may well have had a second life as a "Swan Vestas" match container, as you can see from the last two pictures. Hi Nick, The rusty tin was treated with Phosphoric acid to remove some rust and temporarily stabilise the surface. I do not have an electrolysis set-up and would be reluctant to use it on this "tin" as it is perforated in a couple of places and fairly fragile. I will return to the restoration of the "tin" later. Best Regards, Kerophile.
Morning, Kerophile, Cracking little 96, Mate, and well fettled! I look forward to seeing the case after you finish cleaning it up a tad and back in service. I am blessed to have two Pocket Outfits, and one, from 1920, was my very first Primus stove! It was gifted to me by two US Marine brothers, from whom I bought stoves for many years at "that same old swap meet". They told me they had something for me, and I waited.... and waited..... and waited, until, exactly one year from their promise to bring this "something" for me, there is was! I opened the box, with trembling fingers, and fingers, and there was the most beautiful little brass stove I could ever imagine! When asked how much they wanted for it, they replied, "You're the only one we know would would appreciate it for what it is, and as a "thank you" for your business all these years, please accept it as a gift"! I thanked them both, very much, and every time I saw them for the next few years! After getting the little 96, I bought my first gallon of K-1 kerosene, and using some wadded up paper as a wick, primed it with the same fuel. It actually took off and began burning, all before I had pumped even once! I was shocked, but well pleased. After a few pumps, it was off to the races! Still works a treat, all these years later, and now I have an entire family of Primus and Optimus 96's, plus a nice little Monitor 96-type stove, made in England. Love them all, and they are definitely addicting! Thank you for sharing your new 96 Primus Pocket Outfit, and as usual, great job in the fettling of it!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
