I finally found the proper replacement burner for the one I botched and got this 123 running again. This is my first 123 and I like it more than my 123R.
Hi, Lonnie, Excellent! I've always preferred the 123 over the 123R, though I have, and like both versions. When I pick one to take, it's one of the first model Sievert SVEA 123's! Great little stoves, and now you know why so many of us love them!! Well done, and thanks for sharing your 123 with us. Great flame shot, by the way!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Second to the Sievert 123 is the Optimus 123 just after they bought the Svea name and before they changed them. Ken in NC
Dave, what was I thinking. It should've been - 'A Svea 123 has never found its way to me' of course. Frank
One day Frank, one day! Never stop hoping (nor looking out for one ), I had none, and now I have 2 (SVEA non-Rs, not complete but hey, what the heck! ) . Best regards, Wim
I've read most of the historical stuff but am still a bit confused on what is what. I think this is an Optimus, judging by the key and fuel cap. Probably around 1970? Before they transitioned to the self cleaner. Does this sound about right?
Lettering on key, pot holder, pricker, fuel cap, flame spreader, and windscreen are 1st identifier of Sievert SVEA 123. That stopped soon after Optimus bought the SVEA name in 1969. The burner bell transitioned as did the vaporizer. The vaporizer got ribs just below the burner bell before the 123R was introduced. For most of the changes they made to the 123 Optimus was probably thinking of reducing costs, but, I don't see that as a reason for the ribs on the vaporizer. It seems as an added step in mfg. I can't see your well enough to date it. Ken in NC (Still learning about the history of the fine SVEA 123)
Hey, Lonnie, You're right. That cap is just the stock cap used by Optimus for the SVEA and many other stoves. Though the angle of your photos makes yours sort of "look" like the pump version, it's not. You can find that pump/cap combo on the internet fairly easily, and they are worth having, if you want one. I keep one with all such stoves, if I use them in the cold. Others have no use for them, at all. So, pick your poison, and go whichever way your stick floats on that issue! 8) Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Doc, I have a pump cap on my 99 but I've yet to acquire a pump. Maybe one of these days.... Do you think I'm correct dating this stove to 1970?
Hi, My non-R 123 was purchased in early summer, 1971. It was on sale at a small local outfitters--I still have the original box and the price sticker says $11.20 USD (I think I paid $10.50 or so?)--so I have no idea if it was fresh stock or had been on the shelf for some time. It has the same cap (two spanner flats, vertical style knurling, non-pump style), smooth vaporizer and key as skalkaho's. The tank just says "Svea 123" on it like my 123R, while both the box and instruction sheet say "Sievert" in big bold letters. Rick C
Morning, Lonnie, I think you're ideas for dating your stove is fairly close, though without more photos, and more info, it's really hard to tack it down to one year. More like a range of years, I'm thinking, and you're on the right track with your thoughts. If you had the original box, that would make it easier to date your stove, but without it, again, I think you're close. Happy you got your SVEA up and running with the proper burner!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
