I know it’s a Primus 405 because it is stamped 405 on the plate soldered to the steel tank. It’s undated but the construction is consistent with the 1919 Catalogue https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/1919-n-o-519-steel-primus.32750/ and the construction changed in the 1922 Catalogue https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/1922-primus-catalogue-no-836.190/ (Unfortunately there are no catalogues for 1920/21 so it could be earlier). There is an anomaly. The R155 Silent burner, Preheater cup and method of attaching the legs are consistent with the model 405 (1919 Catalogue) but the combined filler cap and bleed screw is consistent with the model 400 (1919 Catalogue). So, it appears they have used the tank for a model 400 and fitted it out as a model 405 then attached an identification plate 405 over the 400 stamped in the tank. Other details Kerosene The stove was painted silver but there was significant rust that needed to be treated. During the rust removal process most of the paint came away. I decided to repaint the stove silver on top but only clear sealed the bottom where reasonable portions of original paint remained. The cap on the burner is pressed brass (not cast as seen on other versions) The inner burner cap was missing (modern replacement added to make it operational, not shown). The spirit cup is steel. The lighter is missing but you can see the mounting on the spirit cup and the access hole for the spirit. The pip holder in the NRV is steel. The pump piston body is aluminium. The R881 Trivet is stamped No. 11005, this is consistent with the 1917 – 1919 catalogue As found
With a new nipple and replacement inner cap it’s up and running. The flame pattern is good considering the damage to the burner screen.
Excellent stove @ROBBO55. Really interesting spirit cup too. p.s. a useful cheat with a damaged screen like that is to leave the screen exactly as it is and put a next size up larger outer cap over the top (being careful to keep the original top cap somewhere safe for display purposes). I've found has worked perfectly well, better than I would have expected, and keeps what is left of the original burner complete (e.g. here). Ian
Excellent, a rare survivor! Have you a small endoscope? You could peek inside the fount and see the original 400 stamping perhaps? Alec.
@igh371 @Rangie @Tony Press Thanks, I'm rather pleased to have it. Ian, Nice Idea with the larger outer burner. I'll have to keep an eye out for one. Alec, I don't have an endoscope but I have been considering one. Tony, Picked it up on the recent trip over the ditch. South Island NZ near Balclutha. Packed for the flight. The stove is in the black bag
