Hi, I picked up this Primus 96 today which I spotted on a local online marketplace. The ad stated that two legs needed soldering but the seller had his neighbour do the soldering just this morning before I picked it up. He did an OK job, perhaps a bit too much solder but no big blobs or anything. I tried dating it with the help from some great 'No. 96' articles here but am a bit confused with the legs. As far as I can find, only early Primus models had these 'folded' legs. But, the type of burner plate, and no date code on the bottom or anywhere else would put it after 1963 if I'm reading things correctly. Also, the holder for the tank lid is a bit out of place. Considering the amount of patina on the spot where it should have been, and on the bottom of the holder, I doubt it shifted this morning. Perhaps a manufacturing error? Also the windshield looks to be self made... With some parts (pump and cap) from another Optimus 96 that I have I did a quick pressure (submersion) test and only got a little bit of air leakage on the lead tank gasket and from the NRV. I got the NRV out and the spring is probably a bit weak. The PIP is the molded type, not with the brass PIP holder. The burner hole is more then .23, a .25 pricker that I have has room to spare. Also the burner head sits a bit too high and the support ring in the head doesn't rest on the top of the burner column. Also, the wire mesh in the burner is looking all shiney and nicely rolled (got it out completely), not blackened or anything. So with a new PIP, gaskets, pump leather and some peening she'll probably work fine. So, anyone have a clue on a date for this one? Thanks, Ted
I think that vapourising tube has come from another brand - AFAIK none of the Primus or Optimus have that very flat top, and as you have found the burner bell doesn't fit. Maybe the resulting greater distance between flame plate and burner will compensate for the enlarged hole? Take care, anyway!
The vapourising tube is marked 'Primus Sweden' so it should be original. Probably someone took peening seriously in its earlier life
Hi Tedv, Your Primus 96 is identical to mine which was made in 1929 & is stamped T16 on its base, your tank cap & travel cap are different & look to be made of heavier guage brass, the burner head & plate is definitely correct, there should be a number stamped on the bottom of the tank right in the centre, this is the date mark, definitely a 1920's/1930's period item, well done on your find. Best wishes=John. --------------------- If in doubt, brew up.
I wonder if your stove has been the victim of a fireball hence the missing legs and the travel cap retaining boss having slid off the side of the tank? Once cleaned up [if you do] take a look at the area in photo No7 to make sure that those lines in the surface are not stress fractures. Nice find though have fun getting her going! Nick
Hi Tedv, Iani has placed this post regarding a 1954 Primus 96,looking at his photo gallery, both the filler & travel caps are identical to yours. This is his post. https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/25613 Many thanks Iani for the post, this may give further clues to Tedv's question. John. --------------------- If in doubt, brew up.
Hi, I polished that area and it looks fine. No cracks visible after polishing. I just got a brand new "old-stock" lipstick vapourizer tube, with the same "PRIMUS SWEDEN" markings (for $8) so after I get the other parts from FettleBox she'll probably run perfect again.
And there she is Brand new-old-stock vaporizing lipstick tube, new PIP in the NRV, new leather in the pump, new washers for the cap and tube and she's burning just fine!
Hwy, tedv, PERFECT!!! Well done in all respects, and thank you for sharing your success with this lovely little 96. Enjoy, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
