Primus Brass Stove - Babour

PRIMUS BRASS STOVE A/B - (Babour) in Arabic

All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD $)

An exceptional example of industrial heritage, this brand-new, never-used, fully functional Primus stove was crafted in Sweden by the renowned manufacturer B.A. Hjorth, sometime between 1900 and 1950. This is the Model No. 100, one of the most iconic and sought-after models in the Primus range.

While the No. 100 model was produced in large numbers historically, very few examples survive today in unused, fully functional condition like this one. Carefully preserved over the decades, this piece stands out for its remarkable state, making it a compelling acquisition for collectors and design aficionados alike.

This is more than just a vintage stove — it’s a functional, historical artefact and a rare opportunity to own a pristine example of early 20th-century utilitarian design.

A Piece of Everyday History

Known as Primus among Egypt’s European community and Babour by the locals, this stove was a daily essential — both domestically and commercially — in a time when electric and gas stoves were considered unaffordable luxuries. Most homes lacked electricity or gas connections, and with no running hot water, the Primus became indispensable for cooking, heating, and bathing.

I recall vividly how, in those days, we would fill a large aluminium drum with cold water and place it atop the Primus until it boiled. Sitting in a tesht (a small aluminium tub) or perched on a wooden stool, we’d scoop the hot water with a ladle, mix it with cold tap water, and pour it over ourselves for a daily bath. Tedious perhaps — but rich in memory.

Remarkably, the Primus (or Babour) is still in use today across many Egyptian villages, a testament to its durability and enduring practicality.

Product Details

• Manufacturer: B.A. Hjorth, Sweden
• Material: Old-World Brass
• Model: No. 100
• Condition: Original, Unused, Fully Functional
• Height: 20 cm
• Base Diameter: 18 cm
• Top Ring Diameter: 21 cm

Note on Rarity and Value

Although the Model No. 100 was produced in significant numbers during the early 20th century, examples in unused, original condition are extremely rare today. This piece represents a unique convergence of functionality, condition, and provenance.

Its value lies not only in its historical context but in its exceptional preservation — making it suitable for both collectors and those seeking a timeless display piece.

Enjoy FREE worldwide delivery – including secure packaging and logistics, making it a special saving for you.
Note: We offer a generous discount if you're able to collect the item in person from Bowral NSW, (contact us) for details.

History: the first pressurized-burner kerosene (paraffin) stove, was developed in 1892 by ‘Frans Wilhelm Lindqvist’, a factory mechanic in Stockholm, Sweden.

The stove was based on the design of the hand-held blowtorch; Lindqvist’s patent covered the burner, which was turned upward on the stove instead of outward as on the blowtorch. The same year, Lindqvist partnered with Johan Viktor Svenson to establish J.V. Svenson’s Kerosene Stove Factory, to manufacture the new stoves which were sold under the name Primus. The first model was the No.1 stove, which was quickly followed by a number of similarly-designed stoves of different models and sizes. Shortly thereafter, B.A. Hjorth & Co. (later Bahco) a tool and engineering firm begun in Stockholm in 1889, acquired the exclusive rights to sell the Primus stove.

The efficient Primus stove quickly earned a reputation as a reliable and durable stove in everyday use, and it performed especially well under adverse conditions: it was the stove of choice for Fridtjof Nansen's North Pole attempt, Roald Amundsen’s expedition to the South Pole and Richard Byrd’s to the North Pole. Primus stoves also accompanied Mallory on Mt. Everest as well as Tenzing and Hillary there many decades later. While many other companies also made portable stoves of a similar design to the Primus, this style is often generically referred to as a “Primus” stove, regardless of the manufacturer.

Source: (en.wikipedia.org) The Free Encyclopedia.