A new model example piece from 1917, one of the 2 bleakest years for Primus stove production during WW1. This is the first 1917, 'G' marked, No.1 to appear in the gallery. Obtained from Sweden with help from an esteemed CCS colleague in dealing with a most eccentric and unpredictable seller. As sourced it had been fitted with a silent burner and was suffering from a lot of disfiguring Verdigris seemingly from boiled over cooking spatter. As above it has now been cleaned up to a basically presentable level and brought back to original spec with the fitting of a near-contemporary roarer burner. There are a couple of special features on the basic domestic Primus stoves made in 1917. These relate to the pump assembly. Most significantly the pump tube is made of steel, as also in this case is the pump tube cap too. Here we see the steel confirmed by a magnetic pick-up tool hung from each in turn: The steel pump tube cap seems to have been chemically treated to give a brass look finish to the surface: In addition the rather loose pump rod end is also made from an unusual substitute material - aluminium: The steel tube substitution is also found on the 1917 'G' No.5S:or too (see here). As so often is the case there were a few unexpected bonus items included with this stove, a nice heavy weight pressed steel trivet: An impressively heavy home-made welded construction storage tin, with an unusual but very effective spring-catch closure: And last but not least a fantastic old box of matches, still in useable state, and which must have been a give-away from a Heli-Coil salesman, I wonder what date? But we're not quite finished yet; so finally here it is fired up at last, and ready for its first brew in years: With thanks to @Nicola Francesco Elia
A very interesting example. Indeed, as you say, Ian, these material savings are closely linked to the significant decline in production during that period, when brass was largely directed to arms factories. This excellent graphic, posted by optipri, clearly shows the decline in production during that period. It is certainly a rare item.
A great and interesting addition to the gallery and a great informative post, thanks. Glad I have been of some help during the acquisition process Nicola
Amazing stove man! I have a stupid question...is the pump knob threaded or that kind of crimped on type?
Not a stupid question at all given the way it is now. Actually it was made threaded when new, but seems to have had the threads comprehensively trashed through ham-fisted overtightening at some stage over the years.
Man thats some hard luck but at least its still there. Seems to me a lot of people would toss the knob and find some other nut or something similar to put on, at least you still have the original one. Cool stove...I like the box too.
