A Radius 12 AF, with a manufacture date somewhere between early(?) 1940's to 1949. In used but good condition, one small chip out of her enamel along the skirt, otherwise no dings or scratches. Twin 10/36 regulated silent burners, each with pilot lights, steel frame, enameled beige-colored, Radius sticker on frame, fuel tanks with top-hat SRV'ed fuel cap and fuel gauges, etc. A bit of a background on the model availability and variations, from what I've observed: The Radius 12, based on available catalogue references, were manufactured at least as early as 1934 through at least the 1950's. They went through a few modifications, including the following: 1934 - ~1941: Radius 12 (?) From 1934 Range Brochure The silent regulated 10/36 burners were coupled with a different spindle compared to 40's and 50's version; had extension below the burner that touched the ground (provided support), no fuel gauge on tank, had a winged SRV'ed fuel cap (like the Radius 22 ) and did not appear to have removable round pan grates (instead, fixed to frame supports). ~1941 - 1949: Radius 12 AF From 1949 Radius Range Brochure Removable round pan trivet (lower right on image). C-cut metal latch attachment fixed to fuel tank hooks into frame and held in place with standard bolt on inside frame. Top-hat SRV'ed fuel cap (there were variations of this), smooth cream-colored enameled steel frame with rounded sides, twin regulated silent burner 10/36 with spindle of the era (lightly geared round knob with front metal doughnut plate, single rod extensions below each burner that touched the ground (same in early version), shorter skirt (1.5 cm) compared to 1950's version. 1950's+: Radius E. From 1950 Catalogue had removable round trivet, no fuel gauge on tanks, latest spindle on their 10/36 silent burners (smooth lobed star-shaped with white painted lettering), wing-nuts inside of frame to help affix the tank, corners more rounded than on previous version, standard beige-colored enameled steel frame, longer skirt (2 cm) compared to 1940's version; no extension below burner to support each off the ground, etc. Burners removed from tank. Spindle knob of the 10/36 burner standard for the 1940's. Showing the long support tube below burner. Spindles afixed to fuel control with easy to remove cotter pins. Fuel tank markings on front side include arabic writing, 'RADIUS LTD' and 'MADE IN SWEDEN'. Note the 'C' fixture on the right of tank (for frame attachment). Pump knob stamped 'RADIUS LTD MADE IN SWEDEN' Top-hat style SRV'ed Fuel Cap. Stamped 'A.BOL. RADIUS. MADE IN SWEDEN' and 'PATENT No 90359' Pump rod is brass. Fuel gauges (1 on each tank) with unit plate marked 1 (on left, indicating 'full') and 0 (on right, 'empty') with 3 increment ticks between them (e.g. quarter readings ticks). 10/36 burners with 'RADIUS SWEDEN' and arabic writing on outside of skirt. Twin outer steel caps marked 'RADIUS LTD MADE IN SWEDEN STOCKHOLM'. Inner caps no marks, solid. Pan grate steel, 8 fins, 3 notches and 2 clips opposite each other to fasten to frame. 3 risers in the enameled steel frame for grate placement and alignment. Outside marked 2 x RADIUS between 1 fin and 2 x MADE IN SWEDEN between another. (1950 versions had larger lettering and SWEDEN between 1 frame while MADE, IN and SWEDEN were each between subsequent fins). Double dimples on the underside of tank to help keep it off the ground/provide some stability. Simple nut to keep fuel tank tightly affixed to frame. Backside of stove showing enamel chip. RADIUS sticker in between and up front of the burners. To get her safely operational, she required new washers in both her fuel caps. Originals removed and new viton replacements made (1/16"th). The left tank's SRV leaked so it was unscrewed, the thick spring (light surface rust) and metal pressure disc were fine, but the holed rubber gasket was dried and in 3 pieces. It was removed, a new one cut from 1/16"th viton, holes made and replaced back into fuel cap. Burner on the right's internal cleaning needle had to be reseated to enable proper fuel control rotation (small leak at the jet otherwise). NRV tested, both tanks held pressure so they were not removed/replaced. Fuel gauge cap washers fine, no leaks and did not need to be replaced. Pump leathers in good shape and oiled, they were not replaced. 1/2 filled each tank with kerosene, pumped to generate pressure, left overnight. Both tanks and burners now passed the pressure test, gauges were operational and displaying volume fine. Priming first the right burner (needed a double prime). Once first one was running well, primed and lit the 2nd one. The Radius 12's are exceptionally well designed, superb performers and extremely durable stoves. Thanks to the size, number and tight spacing of their fins, they can manage almost all sizes and shapes of pots; they provide a very stable cooking platform; large fuel volumes to help reduce frequency of fill-ups; sleek and low profile; offer superb heat ranges from low simmer to high boils with their twin proven 10/36 burners; large surface area; easy to clean, break-down and access; easy to pickup/move; can safely support large (e.g. heavy) volumes for cooking and can seamlessly move pots between burners as required. In short, one of the best 2 burner domestic ranges built. No surprise, given the Radius 10, her half-sized single burner sister, one of the best single domestics built. Double the pleasure...
Thank you for this in-depth "review" of the Radius 12. Well written and superbly photographed. Just the way we want to see it That the stove in question is a very nice specimen doesnt hurt either Best regards Stoveuser
Hi SMolson That is one very good looking stove. It is in such great condition. You have included a great commentary of the characteristics of the stove. Thanks for the many photos of all the detail and also thanks for summarising the research you have done.
Thanks - and I apologize for the dark flame shots. Wanted to get her done yesterday and had a short window at night-fall to squeeze it in. It's a challenge dating these, as the images in the references are rather vague on detail (hand-drawn images always subject to this) not to mention what looks like older versions in later catalogues: From 1954, bottom of page: Shows Radius 10 and 12, but with no fuel gauge (akin to 1930's models), older style spindles (1940's), fixed winged pot supports (1930's), extension to the ground below burners (
Lovely range Steve, looks ideal to do some cooking in the garden on warm sunny evenings... . Food cooked on such a stylish stove MUST taste great Best regards, Wim
Hi Wim/3 dots, Yes, she's a beautiful stove and the best in almost every attribute of any double burner range I have tried. Since she's been posted to the Gallery (May 2014) she accounts for 99% of the daily household stove-top cooking. I normally rotate stoves in/out of use every couple of months but nothing beats this one, so the others have all taken numbers... Grape Jelly posted to the Recipe section.
A great stove. The date of manufacture would likely be late 1939 or 1940, if all parts are original. The tanklids change to the lower style shortly after. The 1st "low top" version also says A. BOL. RADIUS. 1940s 10/36 burners are marked Radius Ltd. The pictures are unfortunately often old in the Radius catalogues, however many Radius boxes and instructions are stamped with the date of assembly / manufacture / packing.
