I guess by now a typical Corona-activity, rummaging through one's belongings, made me rediscover my Primus 100 outfit from 1927. And I was smitten again by the hues of her brass discus tank. Oh yes, I am aware there is people who freak out with the sight of these flakes of weathering on an object they feel should look like a spotless pale yellow mirror. But beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so any appearance to settle on is the right one. Me, I consider myself lucky with this tank that I think of as a 'stained glass' of stoves, with a unique look no man can create. No doubt it has been polished, if not in Stockholm then by some owner, but sparingly as the ample inscriptions in the tank are crisp. This stove has probabely been kept in it's own little environment for the bulk of it's 93 years of excistence, preventing a veiling that would hide these wonderful colours, like minerals, to show on it's surface. Instead of whitish shine when fully polished, presented by the one spot reflecting daylight, I can enjoy colours ranging from pink, blue and purple next to a range of browns into rich yellow, depending on the angle of view. Whatever technical explanation there might be, I have not seen anything like it before or after the purchase of this stove now about 18 years ago. When I look at it, it can move me as certain light through a church window can. Then I put her back inside that tin that might have been the incubator of all this splendour, to be repeated and rediscovered again some time in future.
Reminds me of good case hardening on a pretty old rifle .Stained glass is a good description , Don't touch that one ! WR
I am not a lover of so called "patina" you often see on old objects, especially on those pathetic TV shows with a knob head sprouting total bo!!@cks about the wonder of the piece of garbage the camera points at. Its another example of marketing at its worse, convincing idiots that rubbish that would not ordinarily sell is the best thing you absolutely need in your life and cannot do without. Like selling snow to an Eskimo, or patent medicine in the early last century. The word patina translates to me as dirt and rust in need of a good restoration, however your example is quite the thing and has a time worn attractiveness to it. A splended example of true "patina" Lovely!
Here here, I like the patina, just do a conservation on it, leave the surface as it is, some oil to stabilise it then do the usual seals etc. Cheers Rob
@Dutchmike , WOW!! That does have the appearance of stained class, or lovely color-case hardening on a rifle, or pistol!! I would leave it exactly as it is, and enjoy looking the natural beauty that time has created on that great #100!! Thanks for sharing the excellent photos, and your report!! Well done on both!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
