Discovered at the same time I purchased a 1932 Primus 96 was this rather neglected specimen! Apparently a loft find… complete and in what appears to be decent condition complete with original globe and preheater. AC code dates to 1938 and what appeared to be asbestos string around the vapouriser has been very carefully removed! Not seen one of these before but looks like it could be an interesting fettle! Any hints for cleaning up all that chrome though?
I would give all the nickel plated parts a bath in a citric acid solution, followed by 0000 steel wool and dish washing liquid. The last part usually works well on the enamel as well. As with most old neglected lamps, screws and controls are quite likely seized. Patience is an important ingredient of fettling. Btw, the steel plate at the top of the burner is upside down.
Thank you! Oddly enough the shutoff valve works well although I’m guessing all seals inside have gone! It certainly hold pressure now that the NRV pip and filler seal have been replaced… I have no doubt it’ll turn into a lovely lamp once thoroughly fettled!
Excellent lamps, pretty bulletproof. Be wary if the control spindle is seized, go very carefully and only remove the knob if you absolutely have to, the miniscule locking screws heads have a habit of shearing off if you are a little too enthusiastic. I use Peerless Mantles with mine, they suit it nicely. Gently gently. Alec.
Just as an update… did a brief test fire this evening… worked to a point but noticeable flames outside the mantle and exiting the top of the hood. Not a paraffin flare stack but blue / pale yellow. I’m guessing a worn jet… I also cleaned the inside of the vapouriser - lots of crud in there. Control spindle was good to turn from getting the lamp - no issues although I can’t see any sign of a cleaning needle either! I’m thinking some spares need to be purchased!
Quick update on this… strip down revealed a few things - the jet has definitely been removed and played with in the past - noticeable spanner marks on the edges. No cleaning wire underneath either - both need replacing. A fuller examination of the cleaning wheel also showed it to be in good nick - the little square headed bolt also came off easy too! But more marks noticeable on the nut that holds the vapouriser assembly in! Conclusion - a well used lamp that’s been more or less looked after but needs some TLC! Would love to know how it got to Chester le Street mind you …
Some more assistance needed please… parts duly sourced from Sweden and so far - jet, pricker and NRV pip plus lead seal replaced! But… continuous loss of pressure alas… I suspect all the seals on the control spindle as there’s a hissing there once the lamp is pressurised. I’ve heard these are particularly nasty to strip down and replace the spindles… is this true and is there a knack? ta, Chris
It sounds like you should do a dunk test. Without the globe cage fitted, pump up the empty lamp and dunk it in a bucket of water. That will show where the leak is. If the cleaning needle control moves freely, then it is quite straight forward to remove. It is only when the shaft is seized that they can be a pain. Be careful with the square headed grub screw holding the wheel. They can be seized and shear off.
Hello Nils, thanks for the reply. I can confirm the cleaning needle control moves freely and the square headed screw comes off with no issues too. Dunk test has been performed - sorry I should have said! Pump tube not cracked and when pressurised up there’s a faint hiss from around the control wheel with gentle loss of pressure and flames around the mantle Best, Chris
