onto c.1958 -to- 1963 or later **TBD > "No.111" and globe embossed on top > handle, rounded > later hinges > latch is larger, has a cut-out on front > slotted filler cap 298D > thin solid control knob, dark red > burner w/earlier round hole (a tube to the spirit cup), no hexagonal base, top: Optimus Sweden > burner bracket, [____], on bottom > Optimus | Sweden stamped flame ring > small globe logo sticker on top, began at some point. > combination spanner: no 362 (of black steel) > spirit can 69 (2nd version, egg/oval shape) Examples: Staffan Optimus 111 (F) embossed, with accessories [drk red], kerophile Optimus 111 from 1950s [dark red], lighthouse Optimus 111 - roarer burner [dark red], rustbucket [dark red], twodogs Optimus 111 [dark red], aktopp's dated 1963 Optimus No:111 - Norwegian military >>>NOTE: 111s c1958 to END production: use SAME handle, hinges latch & burner brkt. and these line items phased out going forward. The next year range has **TBD caveat from prev. year range otherwise... onto c.1964-66 > "No.111" and globe embossed on top > has cut-out on front > slotted filler cap 298D > thin solid control knob, dark red > burner top has the later "D" shape hole (a tube to the spirit cup). top: Optimus Sweden > Sweden | Sweden stamped flame ring > small globe logo sticker on top. > combination spanner: no 362 (of black steel ) > spirit can 69, oval Examples: Perigrinans dated 1966 NOS Optimus 111 tofta Optimus No 111 (1965?), un-used [dark red] Note: c.1966-7 is the end of "No.111" and globe embossed on top Note re 1965 22: canetoad dates flower grate (w/thin knob) on 22 by '65 Optimus 22B 1965
onto tentative c.1967-68 > "No111" ONLY embossed on top > has a cut-out on front > slotted filler cap 298D > thick control knob, dark red. > burner top has the later "D" shape hole (a tube to the spirit cup) and Made in Sweden (some still w/Optimus Sweden carry over) > Sweden | Sweden stamped flame ring > combination spanner: no 362 (of black steel?) > spirit can 69 (2nd version, egg/oval shape) Examples: spiritburner's Optimus 111 - 1970's , Robert Radcliffe's Primus 111 [[re 111B: it's embossed "111B" only]]
************** DEPARTURE, brief, from list format above (why: definitive examples and narrowing specific year ranges is a WIP). at some point c.1968 -to- c.1972 (not a year range, yet) there is: > top has LABEL (lower right):" Optimus, For kero- sene, 111 " (smooth case, nothing embossed) > has cut-out on front > slotted filler cap 298D > thick control knob, dark red. "close , clean" only > burner top has the later "D" shape hole (a tube to the spirit cup) and Made in Sweden > Sweden | Sweden stamped flame ring > combination spanner: no 362 > spirit can 69 (2nd version, egg/oval shape) > new box "in 4 color display carton" (includes pink) TWEENER for now, at some point after 1968 111 the SAME as above except filler cap (after *slotted 298D) there was filler cap (penta-flat): penta top, below that are 2-flats for spanner. The use of penta-flat cap (for the 111) was short-lived, details are few. *not yet clear the year 298D ended on the 111. Note 1972/73: the 8R not developed in lock-step but noteworthy, cap: penta-hex and thick red knob in-use in 8R "72" dated box. 73 8R went to (small) key ("R" key fits ...R's new penta-hex cap). at some point 1973 -to- c.1975 (not a year range, yet) there is: > top has LABEL (lower right):" Optimus, For kero- sene, 111 " > has a cut-out on front > filler cap (penta-hex): penta top threads into hex fitting > thick control knob, dark red. "close , clean" only > burner top has the later "D" shape hole (a tube to the spirit cup) and Made in Sweden > Sweden | Sweden stamped flame ring > combination spanner: no 362 > spirit can 69 (2nd version, egg/oval shape) > "in 4 color display carton" re 76-79 packaging is an open question, re c.1979 not a lot to go on. **********END that portion (w/no year ranges)***********
1980 1980's Optimus still offers 111 roarers "Optimus 111 Expedition Stove" that, and the 111B. Not sure if these 1980 111 offerings may match the 72-79 examples. --------- Note re c.1980-82: we have to work backwards, knowing the next example preceded c.1983 1980's Optimus Catalogue. -and- Open question: The next example has "label fix" on the box... Was there a (pre c1980, pre–Triple Fuel) 111 kero roarer offered that did match that box? Such an example is not yet seen iirc, i would not think it rare... . Silents! ... onto tentative c.1980-81 "Optimus 111 Hiker" Silent (pre "Triple Fuel", 0 restrictors) (stove label, box & instructions that do not match stove inside) > top stove LABEL (lower right):" Optimus, For kero- sene, 111 ", YES > ORANGE sticker on box: "NEW BURNER. BURNS BOTH KEROSENE and WHITE GASOLINE" > latch is larger, has a cut-out on front > filler cap (penta-hex): penta top threads into hex fitting > thick control knob, black, brass shaft, "close , clean" only > "new" silent burner, metal cap "Optimus Optimus" > no windscreen > NEW "Optimus Hiker 111" only in mountain scheme box (pre-Triple Fuel, pre-barcode) 2 examples in: Optimus 111 Hiker Yun's w/penta-hex cap (originated from New York USA btw). nipplekey's w/square-hex cap. c.1983/84 -to- TBD (have "83" dated example. The year range TBD) 111 Hiker Triple Fuel, Silent (1 chrome restrictor) > stove's new LABEL (lower right): " Optimus, For Kerosene White Gasoline Alcohol, 111 " > filler cap (square-hex): square top threads into hex fitting > thick control knob, black, brass shaft. "close , clean" only > "new" silent burner, metal cap "Optimus Optimus" > no windscreen or brass windscreen > 1 chrome restrictor > btw all 111s thru-1984 use leather pump cup > box NEW "Optimus 111 Hiker, Kerosene - White Gasoline - Alcohol." and "Triple Fuel" graphic (stove pic matches) My first Optimus 111 It would use instructions 921131 111 Hiker, Triple Fuel, * "*does have 1 restrictor 5163, does not have multikey" Note: c1984 is my estimate for 1980's Optimus Product Guide . "Model 111T 'Hiker' Triple Fuel Expedition Stove" also has 1 restrictor, it does add an alcohol jet. No windscreen.
c1985-88 what happened? ... good question. At some point 111 Hikers get a multikey, a 2nd restrictor, o-ring for pump...? 1989 1989 Optimus Catalogue "111 Hiker the expedition stove" Does show us that by 89 Hiker gets multikey & 2nd chrome restrictor were added. Does not show us if, by 89, the top was embossed (or not). Aside from embossed question 89 matches 90, see 1990 for more. 1990 "111 Hiker Triple Fuel" , 2 restrictors > new embossed top (lower right): "OPTIMUS International" > filler cap (square-hex): square top threads into hex fitting > new multikey > silent burner, metal cap "Optimus Optimus" > brass windscreen > 2 chrome restrictors, 1 additional jet (alcohol) > o-ring for pump (o-ring in-use until production ends) > box same as previous example: Optimus 111 (T) - The very infective unit. It would use instructions 92113 111 Hiker, Triple Fuel, ** ** has 2 restrictors (5163 & 5213)
c1991 -to- 1996 what happened? ... good question. At some point the 111 Hiker Multi Fuel happened. The Optimus Catalogue (c. 1993) says "111 Hiker Expedition stove" "can use four fuels" maybe the Multi Fuel came out c1993? anyway, at some point: is the 111 Hiker Multi Fuel. now burns 4 fuels: kerosene, diesel, white gasoline & methylated alcohol (denatured alcohol). > embossed top (lower right): "OPTIMUS International" > filler cap (hex-hex): hex top (male) threads into hex fitting (female) > multikey > silent burner, brass cap "Optimus Optimus" > new, wick in priming cup > chrome windscreen > 2 brass restrictors, 1 additional jet (alcohol) > o-ring for pump > box same as previous > new, label inside cover Example: Optimus 111 Hiker - Up Close and Personal It would use instructions 92113 111 Hiker Multi Fuel Staffan suggested about this version: --------- c.1997 111C Hiker replaces Hiker Multi Fuel an obvious 111C detail control knob on left Examples: Optimus 111C and another not long on details but looks to be 1st ver. 111C NIB here 5333 views ***END***
@OMC Many thanks for starting, and your continuing updates of this thread - along with others inputs.
Will not be easy reading and it's not for everybody. -------- @69T100C thank you. My thanks also to those collaborating in PMs recently and in the past. ------ If a fellow stovie is viewing a 111 at auction or in-hand, not knowing what it is, scrolling (not reading) this list for details should be helpful. I've been using it. ---- There are *mistakes but it's not final draft. parts details in-sequence i want to get right and for that, a correction: my "> o-ring for pump (o-ring in-use until production ends)". Actually, i see pump leather returns on a 111C parts list. So, for now, it appears o-rings were not in-use until 111 "production ends". ----- *I've missed somethings and made mistakes. Corrections/updates can follow. Along w/better defining ea year range also linking proper instructions for each will be helpful. Done for now. Corrections / questions (re debatable details) are encouraged on any of it, please. Any and all on-topic comments are welcome in stove forum discussion (today or years from now). Thank you 5,500 views
@OMC Thank you, for a really useful thread. I'm glad my Primus 111 was of some help and great to know its approximate age. Rob.
@Robert Radcliffe your Primus 111 (has got the blues) "...great to know its approximate age." There has been confusion in that time frame for sure. FYI yours is found (scroll up) in "tentative c.1967-68" i linked Ross's, his (has got the blues), same as yours but Optimus, back then he was thinking it was from the 1970s (with that i was initially thinking maybe 76-blues, Optimus blues, holes in both my shoes and i keep on smiling.. oops sorry). Eh hem, not 70s (1970-"maybe")... My sub-title "c.1967-68" represents possibly pre- 67, 1967/68 and possibly after 68. That year range will be narrowed/tweaked (but turns out that version is not the 1970s nor 1961). Some progress made, my thanks again to all, collaboration is key.
@JP2 forgive me for alerting you to different thread. I have comments. I'm not sure i have answer(s) you seek. I do share your interest in Optimus different 111 offerings over many years. You just commented / asked: " Interesting I have 2 111 Hiker and one is identical as the 83/84, including the sticker. ... my second 111, Hiker, it has a windshield and the burner is a bit different, it screwed. The rest is the same, SO. My question is what burner is the new one?" you did not post your 83/84 question in am 83/84 111 thread ??? (I have tentatively identified an 83/84 ver. of 111, scroll up). You have 2 slightly different 111s. On one, IF you are referring to a 111 burner that the cap is attached with screws? ... Those screws would be a separate sub-topic. I would think that burner (w/screws) is a certain vintage that should align with civilian offering (w/o screws)? re "...what burner is the new one?" I'm not prepared to answer completely and accurately. I've not done soi yet but would compare silent burner casting itself, first. I suspect there are no differences but I should check to be sure (for me step 1). If the burner casting is unchanged over many years (i suspect, yes) meanwhile "marketing" (over same many years) might promote "new" burner, the only change may be what restrictor(s) and or jet(s) is included. "Technically" not a "new burner", for some of those promotions, i suspect it is the same burner..
an anomaly (or inbetweener)? all, @ewen, congrats on score and thank you for posting your NICE 111 Identification help needed in your post is your query "...any idea of age...?" my reply "c.1966-7 is the end of "No.111" and globe embossed on top" what is anomalous about yours is that it has thick control knob. yours still has embossed globe and everything is a match to: c.1964-66 > "No.111" and globe embossed on top > has cut-out on front > slotted filler cap 298D > thin solid control knob, dark red > burner top has the later "D" shape hole (a tube to the spirit cup). top: Optimus Sweden > Sweden | Sweden stamped flame ring Note: c.1966-7 is the end of "No.111" and globe embossed on top [UPDATE the last example w/embossed globe maybe had thick control knob. or ewen has replacement knob but again, as-is, maybe orig.] except YOURS having "thick control knob, dark red" which DID come with the next version (tentative c.1967-68) 8300 views
@OMC Many thanks for the detailed reply. Nice to get a date, especially as mine is my age. I expect to have some anomalies with parts, especially the control knob as this came from a batch of ex-Norwegian army stoves.The knob that is on it had obviously suffered Norwegian squaddie melt abuse so maybe had been replaced a few times. The info is especially handy for anyone dating their 111. Edit. I have just gone through the whole thread and would like to say it is a great resource and fine research. Thanks all.
re your "...a batch of ex-Norwegian army stoves." Sweet ! I presume you bought 1 of the batch ... not the batch. Your knob "...maybe had been replaced a few times." So, A. Norwegian military issue details may (or may not) exact match my timeline details? B. If yours originally did come with "thin solid control knob, dark red" it would exact match prev version, c.1964-66.
I'm going with your date I didn't buy the whole batch but I did see the crate full of them. I will have to wait until my lottery numbers come up to buy a crateful
bump Andrew just posted Which Optimus 111 is older. Lennart F made an interesting comment I am agreeable with [Andrew's RED 111] "I assume it is the first pure 111 box(first 111 had box embossed 11 with 1 added afterwards) and the paint was most likely the glossy green lacquer that use to be matted by gasoline. Both stoves have the early burner without priming hole so it seem to be similar age as the first type of white knob right before late 50's." ... . Re "...before late 50's." [late 50s: 56-59]: i'll add addl confirmation below +1 w/ Skauvill comment as well: "The black knob on the one red box you got there was at the first model 111, altså without hole for preheat fuel from the top of the burner. It`is the same knob as was used at model 11 from 1939 until the 111- model took over in "52-53" as I have red somewhere" ===== @Andrew, I apologize for making my comments here vs your thread. Your question is already answered there . Your thread has (new) detail that will compliment this thread, is why i bumped this here. Andrew's RED 111 is 1st version 111, [black knob] We can not confirm all details but WE CAN note that it does have details exclusive to the 1st version: > early hinges, > "No 11" thin solid control knob, black.,[black knob] > burner, early (no hole), hexagonal base, Optimus Sweden & Arabic script crisscrossed > burner clip at back of case, > burner wind shield with side scoop opening. ------ Andrew's BLUE 111 (blue hammered finish) is a c.1954/55 tweener [white knob] this is 3rd such tweener example posted, TY (both this and the RED 111 would be welcome additions to the Ref. Gallery). IT HAS some parts/details that match earliest 111: > burner, early (no hole) (NOT wind shield), IT HAS some parts/details that match 2nd version of 111: > later hinges,> thin solid control knob, white, > burner bracket, [____] , on bottom ..of case. I suggest this combination of parts are as-original (terminology : c. 1954/55 tweener, yes? -or- early 2nd ver.?). 9500 views
@Skauvill gratulerer med dagen. re your Early Optimus 111. Unused! NOS THANK YOU NOS, very complete in-box w/paper and towel too!! woohoo! ...WOW, just WOW! "from the first half of the fifties" (would be 50-54 for the 111 that would be 52-54 but maybe we dont rule out 55?, my year range has been "1st version of 111, tentative: 1952 -to- c. 1954" i'm inspired to post to revisit wind screen detail : credit Skauvill his very complete as-original early 111 <-- such examples being THE best reference for members. and his did not have a wind screen . as shared in above link ----- credit @Håvard Kvernelv and @hikerduane in Q&A Havard's "Early 111 Q&A - around 1960?" -original parts? we see BOTH examples also did not have wind screen. I note fwiw, the roarer wind screen is not a part that easily falls off or is frequently lost/missing. three examples do not have their wind screens, there maybe more, this seems worthy of reconsidering the 1st version details. we may find (inexplicably so far) that as-original some did not have wind screen (eg another exception: some had the handle on the front) and AS my year range is "tentative" we might redefine the details/year-range of this version as members have this newest perspective (of our oldest 111s lol). ---- PS update to this timeline is overdue but i would like to see what comes of this latest scoop. Potentially updating the "1st version" that's significant. carry-on
@OMC Thank you! I am happy to be able to contribute to the history of the Optimus 111 with one of mine! Now I hopefully only lack the one with lid closure and carrying handle on the same side, as well as a black wheel on the valve adjustment (like on its predecessor no. 11).! Skauvill
