Not really a full stove, more of a remnant. But the since there isn't another one in the gallery, and any prospects of a return to functionality seem far away, here is what it is. What it is, in respect of manufacture, is also unresolved. The 'Manufacture Francaise d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne' was basically a cross between a mail order company and something akin to present day Argos, which specialised in cycling, fishing, hunting and shooting equipment and associated accessories. Most of the products they sold were made by third party manufacturers, then badged and sold under their name: So can the actual stove manufacturer be identified? I certainly can't yet, but there may be clues as to possible manufacturers in a couple of small details. 1. The 'lipstick' burner tube has an unusual, fine, thread at the base, but at the top the jet nipple thread is a non-standard coarse thread: 2. The pump rod assembly has some eye-catching detail elaboration in the machining which is entirely invisible when the stove is in use (I can only think of one comparable example of such apparently pointless cosmetic finishing which would nevertheless have added both time and expense to the manufacturing process and that was here on an Ultimus stove): 3. The pump bottom NRV is a similar construction to those found on Pyro Patent stoves, and also on the Trassman-type external-NRVs found on some Optimus stoves: (For comparison there is another 'Manufacture Francaise d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne' badged stove, a 2-burner, here)
@igh371 That’s a beaut Ian. I’ve a bayonet from 1875 stamped with the St-Étienne arsenal mark. Probably no manufacturer connection, but an engineering town (mostly armaments) certainly. John
Pump with hex nut and fuel filler lid strongly points towards Abbat & Guenet "Succés". Although I think I have almost all their paperwork, I can´t find this particular stove. So ?? /Conny
@igh371 Hello Ian The "Manufacture française d'armes et cycles de Saint-Étienne" existed from 1885 to 1988. The name changed 1911 to "Manufrance". I remember quite well the huge catalogues which were omnipresent in the tabacs (shops with license to sell tobacco products) in the seventies in France. I have a link to a catalogue from 1912 here, still with the old name: [Recueil. Catalogues]. Année 1912 / Manufacture française d'armes et cycles de Saint-Etienne Have a look at the first 30 pages which show some buildings and give an impression of the production. The catalogue has a index of chapters at page 1 and an alphabetic index on the last pages from 1173 on. There are only very few stoves for outdoors at page 566 - 567 and indoors at page 1026. Use the tool right at the bottom to move. One can spend many hours in such a book. Have also a look at the bicycles starting at page 199, or photographic equipment page 577. Best Regards Radler
@Conny C @Radler - thank you for those helpful pointers, I would never have thought of or found either by myself. That 1912 catalogue does show an equivalent offering (see below), but clearly this is from a later date. Some of the details on the stove posted are suggesting to me maybe c.1903-10 period.
BUMP Harder had posted below example in "auction watch". Please direct auction related comments etc. to auction-watch post (will expire), thx. Gallery ref. post details: I suggest, consider Ian's (May 2020) comment from above, when reviewing today's addition below: "The 'Manufacture Francaise d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne' ... Most of the products they sold were made by third party manufacturers, then badged and sold under their name" Below is today's addition, a considerably later example, yet similar. Also consider Harder description for both examples: "rare / strange" which may be clue to maker(s). and also of interest for both: * Might the later example also have the 2 fine threaded hex fittings riser to tank ? (more often a course thread) ... granted, we may never know for sure. * Notable tank lid feature. * Pump situ & height (exposed tall pump tube, works against collapsible feature) *these "...strongly points towards Abbat & Guenet "Succés" ConnyC Here we go, it just sold on ebay, happy seller ok with use of images here. +1 w/Harder "...never seen one before" noting too, the rare burner of the later example. thx cc @Harder D. Soerensen @igh371
Update, the new found example pictured above has now been posted in the SRG here, posted by @Patrick Louis Dit Picard. The complete original burner set up on Patrick's stove is a revelation!
Current status of the stove that this thread centers around is that it has been given a 100-style 'user status' make-over based on one of the iterations shown in the 'Manufacture Francaise' 1912 catalogue:
