In my quest for peace and quiet I have selected stoves to use with either a silent burner, or those who could be (Primus etc.) or can be (Bernie Dawg) adapted as such. With a complete vintage No.100 set, consisting of a burner bell into which one can select a noisy flameplate or a much quieter 'pillbox' silent burner, I was aware of a similar choice that was offered for the Primus 70, 71 and 96 before the war. However, these smaller sized original gizmo's proved rather allusive. So, some time ago I was rather pleased to buy a silent cap from Mr.Dawg in Oregon, and this little jewel (they go for such prices nowadays) works wonders on the stoves as mentioned. But recently I was just as pleased to buy a complete Primus 70 stove in rather good nick, that sported the much searched for original Primus silent cap. Collecting is not completely out of my blood after all, and it fits nicely within the smallish Primus gathering I want to keep. When unpacking the parcel, the lid of the tin showed much as Primus did intend to all those long years ago, which was a nice surprise. What also was a first for me was the inclusion of a tiny funnel, or rather dish, that I believe to be an original filling aid. It works very well in the horizontal filler opening. Considering its age, the set is in a remarkable good condition, without undue damage. That the paintwork shows the inevitable (little) use in anger lends authenticity to the unit rather than a regrettable turn of events. However, the jet that is mounted belongs to a paraffin model and prevents a good, solid blue combustion of the vapourous white petrol. My other model 70 on the left does show its correct flame pattern without the yellow halo that can be seen with some effort on the right. Both versions show the differences in the detailing Primus applied around 1930 (my guess). The differences are the ommission of the patentnumbers around the pre-heating dish, and the change to a slanted filling opening of the later version, that now sits on the curved top of the tank instead of in a flat indentation. I do believe the low attachment point of the stopper chain - which often prevents the flat seating of the stove - is a random production feature, as I have had a same period tank with this attachment in the upper loop of the handle, like in the later version as depicted on the left.
Nice pair you got there! I, too, like that little funnel. It looks very handy for getting the fuel into the tank. The graphics on the top of the tin are pretty neat. Thanks, sam
You have an excellent stove in beautiful condition - they're so simple, but they're still very powerful and effective, yet very small. That should be the main reason why the 70 and 71 have become so popular. I surely do want one!
Thank you for the reactions guys. As a matter of fact the 'left one' goes without its square t(h)in casing. These are fragile and rust readily, which helps explain there comparative rarety - next to their age. Powerwise they are in the same league as the Optimus 8R, SVEA 123 etc. and the 'left one' sees sometimes use in combination with an cut-out empty can serving as a pot stand. Regards, Mike
