I purchased this from a single blurry photo (for around US $18.00) with the intention of cutting down the reflector for a Tilley flounder lantern but decided it was too nice to do that. It is in very good condition with the seals all intact and holding. What year could this be and is the heat reflector an original Optimus? The way the reflector fits would suit any similar stove of this style. Are these common? I have only polished the reflector but the rest will polish up beautifully at which time I will put it up in the gallery.
I haven't seen a heater/stove setup on fixed legs before. Usually they are like this . Optimus No:711
I thought maybe this was a DIY item but on closer inspection I would say it has definitely been commercially made. I don't know where you would use such a heater attachment as it would only take a small gust of wind to knock the whole thing over. The stove itself was in such nice condition inside and out that I would say probably more of the 1960,s age than earlier? It did come with the original Optimus trivet so obviously intended as a dual purpose item. I often look at these single burners on auction sites and this is the first I have encountered.
@David Cully re your "What year could this be..." not an easy answer when it comes to Optimus. Share with us what is stamped on bottom? That will help. I think i got this right... IF Stockholm is included on bottom it is mid 30s or earlier IF Upplands Vasby is included on bottom it is mid 30s or later IF it is other than those two it is post 1962 good luck gotta run
Marked UPPL - VASBY on bottom so pre 1962. In which case it really has been looked after or, most likely, not used very much.
From that photo, I'm convinced it was home made by somebody capable with good workshop facilities. Attaching the bracket to the reflector with all those rivets doesn't seem a profitable production method in terms of time. You're missing some sort of perforated dome which would have been supported over the burner to incandesce and help radiate the heat- note the centre of the reflector is positioned way above the burner to accommodate this. Don't feel you have to polish it to add it to the reference gallery, several decades of beautiful ageing are just as welcome!
I have I think seen one of these before that bracket on the reflector looks familiar. If it is home made, it’s bloody good!
