Sirram 'The Aristocrat No12' - probably 1920's

Discussion in 'Marris Ltd - (Sirram)' started by Trojandog, Sep 28, 2014.

  1. Trojandog

    Trojandog United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2011
    Messages:
    2,295
    Location:
    East Sussex
    The seller of this complete 'Aristocrat' set had been displaying it on his market stall for some time. Initially the asking price was £40.00 and he has been steadily reducing the price each week. On Tuesday, he wanted £20.00 and I got it for £15.00 :lol: :thumbup: .

    The set shown below comprises (as listed in the instructions with David Shouksmith's set):

    Stand
    Pot
    Pot lid
    Burner
    Burner lid
    Spirit container
    Flame regulator

    1411939009-Aris02_opt.jpg

    It came in an unmarked leather box with a blue fabric lining. This is definitely original as a set was offered for sale on Ebay in 2013 with an identical box. The box is very tatty and mouldy. The top is beyond salvation, but I aim to re-line the box, restore the leather and make some sort of replacement lid:

    1411939555-Aris03_opt.jpg 1411939569-Aris04_opt.jpg 1411939583-Aris04A_opt.jpg

    The stand has a raised circle in the base to keep the burner central:

    1411940008-Aris05_opt.jpg 1411940022-Aris06_opt.jpg 1411940037-Aris07_opt.jpg

    The pot is copper with a tin lining and the base shows it has had plenty of use. The handles are wrapped in cane and have suffered some scorching damage. The lid identifies the set as 'The Aristocrat No12 1½ Pints'. A set on Ebay had a lid that was marked 'The Aristocrat No11 1 Pint'. David's instructions showed that there were three versions in two sizes - The Democrat (Tin Plate), The Citizen (Aluminium) and The Aristocrat (Copper):

    1411941053-Aris08_opt.jpg 1411941072-Aris09_opt.jpg 1411941082-Aris10_opt.jpg 1411941096-Aris11_opt.jpg

    The burner is brass and has a depression that matches the bump in the base of the stand. The base is tin and has a number of rust holes. However, the base is crimped in place and is impossible to replace. I sealed the base with a smear of high temperature ceramic caulking. The burner is stamped '1'. An identical burner in another incomplete Aristocrat set that I have is marked '2'. David's is marked '1½'. Go figure:

    1411941827-Aris12_opt.jpg 1411941839-Aris13_opt.jpg 1411941854-Aris14_opt.jpg 1411941865-Aris15_opt.jpg 1411941878-Aris16_opt.jpg 1411941896-Aris17_opt.jpg

    End of part one.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 27, 2015
  2. Trojandog

    Trojandog United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2011
    Messages:
    2,295
    Location:
    East Sussex
    Part two.

    The spirit container has a threaded brass cap which had a perished leather seal so I substituted a viton seal:

    1411999095-01.jpg 1411999104-02.jpg 1411999112-03.jpg 1411999121-04.jpg


    The flame regulator is pressed metal:

    1411999131-05.jpg


    The first test firing was in the kitchen. First lighting:

    1411999140-06.jpg


    3 minutes later:

    1411999148-07.jpg


    A nice blue flame once the pot was put on top. A little flame spillage out the sides which would be the cause of the scorching to the cane wrapping on the pot handles:

    1411999156-08.jpg


    A rolling boil of one UK pint in 8 minutes:

    1411999166-09.jpg


    The flame regulator fits through any of the upper slots in the stand and does a good job:

    1411999175-10.jpg


    First outing - Sheffield park, East Sussex:

    1411999184-11.jpg


    Patents:

    Complete outfit - 125923 (1919) Link
    Spirit container - 155967 (1919) Link
    Burner - 152239 (1919) Link
    Flame Regulator - 126923 (1919) Link

    Now I just need to find the other five versions..

    Regards,
    Terry
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 2, 2015
  3. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2004
    Messages:
    19,157
    Location:
    So. California Mountains
    Hey, Terry,

    What a wonderful little Sirram stove setup! I've seen one of those over on this side of the Pond, but the asking price was too high for me to pony up the coins. Great set, though, and well worth owning and enjoying. Thanks for sharing it here, and also for the excellent photos and report! Take care, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Mark
     
  4. shagratork

    shagratork United Kingdom Moderator, R.I.P. Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2005
    Messages:
    9,636
    Location:
    Durham, N.E. England
    Hello Terry

    I have posted the patent for your meths container here.

    1411949563-Sirram_155967c.jpg

    P.S. I see it was already published by Ross!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 1, 2015
  5. Zincman

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2008
    Messages:
    2,382
    Location:
    N Yorkshire
    A lovely set. I have one but it does not have the wicker binding on the handle and the tinning on the inside of your pan is in far better condition. It seems to be almost undamaged.
    I do have a leather box-case for mine though!
    Whatever you do, don't polish off that lovely patina!
     
  6. presscall

    presscall United Kingdom SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2009
    Messages:
    13,057
    Location:
    Lancashire, United Kingdom
    You did well there Terry. I admire your self-restraint in holding out for a bargain.

    John
     
  7. David Shouksmith

    David Shouksmith Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2004
    Messages:
    7,164
    Mine's got the (presumably later) metal box rather than the leather case. Not as nice but probably more practical in the long run...