I recently got this stove that is clearly labeled a Primus No 0, yet has many features that more closely resemble the un-numbered early models. Most of the examples of No 0 in this gallery have a stamp on the bottom of MADE IN SWEDEN, encircled by B.A.HJORTH&Co STOCKHOLM, but this model has the curved stamp more commonly found on the un-numbered models It has a pump tube that threads in with a hex nut rather than being soldered into the tank, a variation I only saw in one other No 0 posted by @igh371 Note the N stamped on the pump head In fact, @igh371 's example is almost identical to this one, except for the NRV. Mine has a more typical, modern NRV, as opposed to the old cork-seal version. B.A. Hjorth Patent on the flat fill cap, a feature seen on early No 0 stoves. Later models having a winged fill cap. F.W. Lindqvists Patent on the pump tube cap A small X on the bottom Burner The lettering more closely resembles the un-numbered early models, and lacks any logo or Made in Sweden markings It came with an un-branded cast iron trivet, as well as this brass trivet extension for when you need to boil just a thimblefull of water. The holes line up nicely with the knobs on the trivet, holding it in place. And the geometry works so that one side of the cross always lines up with one of the three supports. I do wonder if this was it's intended purpose, or if it's a horse harness medallion that coincidentally fit on the trivet and maybe diffused the heat a bit when simmering. Anyone know? Either way, I like it. It is pretty. I haven't fired it yet. I will update post-fettle and shine.
A good find. An interesting early example. The combination of the old-style screw-on pump assembly with the "new" type of check valve is really interesting. The non-branded trivet is also impressive. .
Wow @GibsonsRavinePark2 that is one superb find. The removable pump version of the '0' can only have existed for a very short period of time. It may have become available at the end of 1895, but the earliest known adverts for it date to March 1896, which, by coincidence, is the same month that Linqvist applied to have his new-type NRV patented. At the other end of the possible production window, the new 'PRI#MUS' logo was publicly launched in June 1897. So outer parameters for production are little over one year, but when, during that year, were existing stocks of the old-style NRV assemblies finally all used up and superseded by the new design seen on yours??? The magnificent trivet is interestiing too. That design was used as an original fitting on a short-lived Record stove in 1897 and I believe by some other makers around that time too, so may have been a proprietory item, certainly contemporary .
Thank you @igh371 for the research and putting such a precise date to this stove! I had no idea it was almost 130 years old. It certainly overtakes the 1905 Glogau as my oldest stove. I haven’t finished working on it yet, but I have replaced the pump cup and disassembled the NRV. I was surprised to see that the newer style of NRV had a cork seal as well. Unfortunately, it couldn't be preserved and I replaced it with a new viton pip. I am amazed that you recognized the trivet from that Record advertisement. I wonder how the stove and trivet ended up getting paired.
I think it has now been restored as far as it needs to be. No leaks, burns well. The tank could certainly use a shine, but with all the dings and scratches, it doesn't seem like the right move. Not to mention the soldering work that the seller described as "remedial". I tried using the brass medallion as an addition to the trivet and it diffused the heat a bit. It also left the brass looking pretty rough. I will probably give it a quick clean and never use it again. Cool to have a piece of history in the collection, now to find or make a suitable case for it.
