Hello everyone, Last week, I picked up two stoves: a SVEA 121 and a Hipolito No. 0. Both came with tin boxes, but these are in poor condition (Noticed that the tin box for the Svea 121 is marked Radius 21). I’ve since fettled both stoves, replaced the seals and leather, and ensured there are no leaks. I also used a newly acquired ultrasonic cleaner to clean the heavily sooted burners. Today, I’ve made good progress on the Svea 121 and am sharing a few photos below. However, I won’t be posting the stove to the gallery, as I feel only fully restored and presentable stoves should be showcased there. I'd be interested in any tips for improving the apearance of these tin boxes, though I’m keeping my expectations low Best regards, Migwar
Done for the second one. I leave below some pictures for both stoves head-to-head. All the best, Migwar
Very nice stove. the 121 is one I am looking for! I have a pretty rusty radius tin as well...I ended up ordering something I was recommended to try on it. if its got logos or paint it is probably not going to be nice to it. Nice stoves though!
Primus 210L from early 1960s, Case Restoration. Hammerite rust remover and phosphoric acid I promised you the secret of GSR ( George's Stove Restorer). You must NOT reveal this to others!. If you do not favour full immersion, or only have "spot" corrosion to treat, the answer could be GSR. Make up a pint-or-so of cellulose wallpaper adhesive. Add a couple of teaspoonsful of anhydrous citric acid crystals and stir. The mixture needs to be thick enough to adhere to vertical and horizontal surfaces, but thin enough for the citric acid solution to do its job. The mixture should be painted onto the brass item and periodically agitated with a toothbrush or similar. Once the object is clear of tarnish,
Hi, one of the best stove tin restorations I have seen photos of was by Bom x 4 and appeared in this thread: Halloween/Guy Fawkes Frankenstove Photo Shoot He said that he had used a Hammerite rust removing gel, rather than the more common conversion-type coaings based on Phosphoric acid. He certainly shows an impressive result.
Rest assured, @kerophile , I give you my word that the secret of GSR (George's Stove Restorer) will remain confidential! Thanks, @Remus1956. I have to admit, seeing that box from @Ed Winskill has me feeling a bit jealous!"
Please reconsider, the reference gallery is just that, a collection of as many examples of each stoves as possible catalogued for reference. It's not a polishing contest. If anything, 'unrestored' stoves are more valuable than 'restored' examples, they can provide information which is otherwise lost- like whether the stove was originally lacquered for example. Then there is the instant loss of history (and now the wheel is turning full circle, often a loss of value!) which goes with polishing, but that's a matter of personal preference... The term 'restoration' is a bit of a sore point for me, what people usually mean is 'overhaul' plus 'polishing brass' or 'repainting folding case'. A true restoration for example would involve scrapping the tin, and having a replica made with new plating inside and graphics without. Or removing the fixed legs of a stove, having them replated and refitting them. Simply polishing the shiny bits and leaving other parts rusty isn't 'restoration' to my mind. A repainted No.8r or No.111 in an approximate paint shade isn't as valuable a reference as an original example. A pan ring sprayed in heat-resistant black when the original was gold is misleading. A polished stove looks different to how many were supplied new, with a coat of lacquer. Newly manufactured replacement jparts are often functional but wildly different to the originals... Anyway, it's a hobby, and all opinions are valid. But there is certainly a place for the unpolished or incomplete in the reference gallery.
Thank you for the clarification, @Blackdog. I will think it over again. My priority is to have the stove operational, and I address the restoration based its history. When I obtain a stove that has already undergone restoration attempts, I make aesthetic adjustments to it. However, when I come across a stove that appears untouched, I made sure it is working, then I prefer to leave it in its original state, which I believe is the best approach.
The more examples in the reference gallery, the more comparisons can be drawn between (often subtle) detail changes. From that, different versions can be isolated, and with any luck refinements in dating in time!
@Migwar Following up from @Blackdog’s comments, the Reference Gallery is for description of stoves and research (hence, “reference”). It is not meant to be a shop window, therefore photos that describe the features of stoves, stampings, and how they work are much more valuable than glittering jewels. Best regards Tony
Thank you, @Tony Press . It is well noted. Perhaps the word 'Reference' under the SRG gave me the wrong impression. Which I was wrong about.
