I believe this is a 1994 pre-production no 12 prototype. I will highlight differences from the production model: Outer metal is same as inner fittings and not heavy duty steel as production. Unpainted bare metal finish Dated 94. Serial number P002 (protoype?) Base has four feet and drain holes (not on production) Instruction sticker on rear and marked Multifuel Grate is longer than production version. In the stored position, the grate hole is not above burner suggesting it should be pulled to the rear No parking place for the control key or the funnel set up for use
@Hoarder That’s interesting, added to these finds: Non-TOC but maybe a design submitted for tender when TOC submitted their successful tender. This has the reference ‘Diesel burning’ on the instruction label. TOC characteristics, but with significant differences (including the burner), some of which (burner ‘deck’ surround; military No.2 type legs/supports/closure clamps) resemble the non-TOC pattern, preceeding.
Hi, I am sometimes asked about dating Military No.12 stoves, and the significance of the lettering stamped on the stove case. Here is my explanation: The NATO Stock No. (NSN) for the British Military No.12 stove is: 7310-99-252-7439 The designation 7310 indicates it is food cookery, bakery and serving equipment. The No.99 records that it was first listed by the United Kingdom whilst the final 7 digits are inventory numbers. The stoves themselves are marked with a series of numbers and letters on the front right hand side of the stove case. TOC = Tools of Coventry (the Manufacturer) followed by a two digit number = Last two years of the year of manufacture. Then the military broad arrow. Finally, the 252 7439 which is part of NATO Stock Code, as shown above. Trust this helps. Best Regards, Kerophile.
Re: the switch from a silent burner to the production "slit" burner. All military kit has to be squaddie proof. The only downside to a silent burner is underburn. I think they switched to the production version so they didn't have the extra problem of trying to explain how to spot and fix it
It's great. I like how it has legs on the back of the case. The geniol stove has legs but the No. 12 does not, so when I used it on a wooden desk, the desk got burnt. I understand that box stoves are meant to be used outdoors, so I was using it wrong. However, when I saw the No. 12 and realized that it could have been equipped with legs, it reminded me of the burnt desk.
