As seen above this doesn't look much different to any other WW1 era Primus No.96. The stove itself is very much all standard and original, apart from the new set of legs I had to make for it: The legs I made are deliberately slightly taller than original in an effort to overcome the extremely small separation afforded between burner top and cooking vessel base on 96s of this age. Whilst this is achieved to a degree the best solution of all, as far as kettles go, is to use one of the incuse-dome base GWS&S picnic kettles. These are just the right diameter for a 96 and the raised dome on the base gives just the right space for the 96 lipstick flame: Which then brings us back to the tin. At first sight this appears to have the same dimensions as a standard '96' tin of the period. But put them side-by-side and it is clear that it is very slightly longer and equally very slightly narrower than the standard Hjorth tin: It is also bereft of the internal fittings of the standard tin: Most unique of all is the neat retention clip for holding the lid down, which locates into a small semi-circular depression on the lid top: Bespoke tin outfits made up by individual agents and retailers are not unknown, see for example the 1917 Primus 96 made up by A.W.Gamage of Holborn which appears in this post. Could this odd tin set up have a similar origin?
@igh371 A very nice original example of a proper antique now 96, there is something special about the early stoves the amount attention to detail in the manufacture, for example the amount of lettering on the filler cap all the knurling is really nicely done and ornate. Even though this stove is over a hundred years old and has had some good use, all the lettering is still nice and crisp and no nasty dings on the tank, a great stove well done there
Indeed. This can is an interesting find (stove, too, of course). Perhaps it was made to order. Or the owner showed a lot of creativity by adapting or fabricating a well-sized storage box himself.? In any case, it fits like a glove. These are just my thoughts..
Certainly a quality tin, but as you have already pondered, a dealer outfit or a chance pairing along the way? I suppose the answer will only come in time, if more No.96's appear in similar tins. The advantage of recording and sharing on the internet- makes for a great game of stove 'snap'! Great pairing with the kettle, an ideal outfit for lightweight travel.
In addition to all of the above there was a spare 'lipstick' in the tin when acquired. Somewhat clogged and clearly disused for many years. But otherwise an easy fix to return to service. There is an oddity with it however: Yes, the base section is steel. Could this have been the original burner? and a legacy of when Primus later in WW1 temporarily substituted steel in place of brass in a few components (pump tubes and pump tube caps are known)? Or is it just a later extraneous addition of unknown origin? @hikerduane
