There are two stamps on this Manaslu 96, which are thought by others to be possible dating stamps. Personally, I have not been able to verify this but for what it is worth… On the burner:‘704’: ‘7’ = 2017 & ‘04’ = April. On this stove, 2 burner seals are used - a burner seal is fitted between the riser and spirit cup as well as between the burner and spirit cup. A lead washer fits into the bottom of the riser. On the bottom of the stove - ‘705’: ‘7’ = 2017 & ‘05’ = May. Manaslu provide a steel flame spreader with the 96. As the steel oxidises over time, the blue flame will as a result, change to a one which is more orange in colour. If flame colour poses an aesthetic issue, then switching to a brass flame spreader IMO, would be the obvious choice rather than removing the oxide. Nicely stamped tank. The pump knob doubles as a reserve cap. Matching knurling pattern on the filler cap and pressure release. A very powerful burner…which delivers stunning performance. When storing away the 96 into the zipped bag, the curved separator keeps everything safely in place. Pharael.
