Hi, The prima-camping stove, which has been nicely introduced by @presscall in his complete post Primagaz butane stove (1962), does have some unexpected accessories. I already knew about the gas lamp, which I may describe in a future post, but last week I've come across something different... The pictures of the seller showed a NOS stove, in pretty good conditions, coming complete. What catched my attention on this particular one was the unknown top device. First, I was sure it was an integrated pot-and-windshield, that I didn't know about. But let's be honest, as John has underlined it: the 1960's butane stoves show a variety of types and brands. So why not a "new" model to add here? It is for sure something new, but definitely not a stove with integrated pot and windshield... I'll let you enjoy the pictures of that device, and propose your guesses about what it could be. I will, later, give you the explanations / answer. The full kit, including the box (no markings except on the prima-camping tape, contrary to the standard prima-camping stove which has markings on the box), the stove, its particular accessories, and the standard pot support (on the right). View from the top: the burner is the same, and the post is maintained by two springs, attached to the windshield-like metal part. Quick side-to-side comparison with the standard prima-camping stove. Don't hesitate to propose some fancy guesses a little clue: it is not from the prima-camping brand itself, but a partnership with some other manufacturer. Bastien.
@blabast88 I can only suppose that it’s a suspension device to hang up the stove in use, which would mean on a boat or simply camping without a risk of knocking it over. Equivalent of a Markill Stormy. I’d be more assured if the bail had a central loop in it’s upper part for hitching to a cord or chain though. John
The idea of a suspension device to hang (in a boat, or anywhere else) is a good one, unfortunately it is not the right one... Well, it happens to be more complicated than this! In fact, this device is a "fumigaz". It is intended to be used as an insecticide diffuser: you light the stove, with the pot on, then you let it warm for 2-3 minutes (it is not precised if you need to put some water in the pot), and finally you place an insecticide bag in the pot. The bag inflates, a hole appears on it and the insecticide is spread in the whole room. The hanger is made to catch the stove once it's done, with a hook for example, and not with bare hands (as it was supposed to be a chemical / dangerous product, I guess). As I said, an unusual device! Below is the instruction paper (in french, no other language mentionned), coming with the stove, in the box. Without it, I would never have known what kind of device it was, and I would have kept my integrated-pot-and-windshield idea... So, to sum up: it is a Fumigaz device, intended to work with the Prima-camping stove (reference CEB 501), to spread L.C.B. insecticide. I suppose that the unmarked box (no prima-camping stamp / logo) was the version Prima-camping used for the Fumigaz devices. Unfortunately, I don't have further information about this one. But definitely not something you see everyday... Luckily, my exemplar hasn't been used, so I don't have to worry about any chemical product having covered it. And I don't plan to use it But in the end, I'd be curious to know if it was needed to add water in the pot before disposing the insecticide, or not. Bastien.
Interesting stuff. It caused me to do a quick search that came up with this Flashback Friday - Vapo-Cresolene: A Cautionary Tale I was surprised at the staying power of that one product.
Didn't know that Vapo-Cresolene. One thing I sure know is that I wouldn't try to sleep in a room where the Fumigaz is diffusing insecticide
@SveaSizzler definitely not. Well, it seems like this device hasn't been used once. But I'll not take a chance on that one.
Interesting piece of stove history, though. I think @Doc Mark has a formaldehyde generator built into an old stove, that was used for a similar purpose. used a rubber hose through the keyhole into the room, as I recall, so it could be operated outside of the room. ....Arch
I think the idea was being able to decontaminate the room without having to expose yourself to the pathogens within. ....Arch
Hey, Mac (@ArchMc ), Thanks for remember my old formaldehyde generator(s). I have two of them, now, and they are most certainly unique. For their time, they did a pretty fair job of killing pathogens in hospital rooms in what highly contagious patients had been treated. Crude and somewhat rudimentary, they nevertheless were effective during them time period. As mentioned, he rooms were unoccupied when this method was being use to disinfect those rooms! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
