Hi. I recently found this old stove in Denmark. Naturally, I have no information about its 130+ years of history, so we can only guess what it has seen of use, and care. At some point "gold" paint has been applied on pan supports etc., and this still is intact on the pan supports, so I believe it has been kept for decoration/display at the latter stage of its life. I'm curious about its date, of course. Comparing to other stoves here, I guess 1891-1892? I notice the following details, - and expect more parts than the burner may be replaced during all these years. - The tank has no text like "Primus" og "Patent", and show no traces of such. - The tank has the smaller "bulb" for air at the top - The tank bottom has been spun? - The pump cap says "F. W. Lindquist - Patent" - The filler cap says "B. A. HJORTH & Co - PATENT - STOCKHOLM". The N in PATENT being normal, no patent number shown. And there is a double underlining of "Co". I've noticed there is sometimes just a single line. The burner is a more modern "Optimus" burner. The air screw is of a type I've seen on other stoves, but probably not original to this stove. Pump knob is missing. Filler cap gasket seems to be made of leather. I guess the pump rod and leather cup arrangement is correct for this stove. The pump tube has a wrong angle and is soldered fixed to the tank. I intend to remove the "gold" paint, resolder the pump, and perhaps also the one or two pan supports that has been re-soldered. And I can dream of finding a non-hex old burner for this one. I’m happy to learn more about this one!
Wow that really is one very old Primus! Everything looks original except the burner. I wouldn't be messing with the pump unless the NRV proves not to be functioning. Those very old detachable pump NRVs can be surprisingly resiliant and long lasting. The crucial cork block, inside the tank, can often be brought back to life through a combination soaking by filling the tank with boiling water, and then lubricating through the pump tube
Congratulations on a great find! You can see from this example that it may come from a transitional period of production before the embossing "Primus " and "Patent" appeared on the tank (1892), when Mr Hjorth (filler cap) joined the collaboration. Previously, the filler cap had the name F.W. Lindqvist on it with the patent number. I suggest here the penultimate post on this topic:Early Primus Anyway, an excellent example of the legendary Primus.
i reckon some new seals, a leather soak and some pricking of the jet and she'll be good to go! frank daniel
Fabulous, looking forward to seeing it running, as others have suggested it shouldn't take too much work.
The old lady is dancing again :-) The NRV and pump leather cup has been softened with thin oil/rust remover. Everything holds pressure, and it fired up at first attempt! I think the jet is worn/wide, but leave it as it is for now. I’m a very happy camper!
Fabulous! The absolute minimum of servicing and back up and running. One of those designs which was right from the start, and only benefited for a few refinements over many decades.
good to see it up and running! i particularly like the elongated pot stands, something that you'll only see on the first versions, but mr. ig hunter will be able to tell us more. frank daniel
