I have a box with the code 883775 stamped on the inside of lid that the stove was sold with, what would the manufacture date be 1975 or 1988?, any help would be appreciated as this will be handy to date the instruction sheet that I have posted in the reference library. Richard
Hi, just checked the catalogues. In 1966 Max Sievert (Svea brand) was offering the Svea 123 through their UK Agent: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/1976-optimus-catalogue.9220/ https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/1966-svea-uk-distributors-catologue.11669/ In 1969/70 Optimus acquired the Svea brand: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/ab-max-sievert-svea-campus.16/ In 1976 Optimus was offering the Svea 123R in their catalogue: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/1976-optimus-catalogue.9220/ Your instruction sheet is for a Svea 123, so was likely printed before 1974, when Optimus introduces the Svea 123R https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/svea-123-research-project-prelim.11516/ The reference to the numbers 75 and 88 in the number sequence on the instruction sheet may be a red herring. Just thinking. Best Regards, Kerophile.
Thanks everyone for your replies, I will read through the highlighted threads @kerophile By what you have said above, the box the stove came in has Made by : AB Optimus printed on it, so it must have been after 1970 but before 1976, so I think mine could have been made in 1975 as in 75 from the code Kind Regards Richard
@janders Looking through the post you highlighted mine appears to match up with the stove given as C6, the printing on the top of the box is the same, same number on instruction sheet, pot and handle appear the same too, this would narrow the date down again to 1975 or 1976 I think. Regards Richard
Hi Richard, it would have helped me if you had shared the information you had on the box markings. Similarly, @snwcpr did comment that a few photos, posted on your thread would be useful. I note that you have now arrived at a possible date of manufacture of 1975. However, Optimus introduced the Svea 123 in 1974, according to Doug Weise. I reported that the Sv. 123R is listed in the 1976 catalogue as that is the nearest date to the 1974 change-over date that we have access to at the moment. It is possible that Optimus were still selling the last of their older model, Sv.123, in a transition period. Regards, Kerophile.
@kerophile My apologies, it was not until I read the thread that Janders linked I saw the material that exeter yak had posted, as to the pictures snwcpr requested, they will follow shorthly as I have been scanning manuals. Regards Richard
@richmay You asked for a date. I agree with @kerophile. In this photo: You can see the fins on the top of the vaporizer. That was started around 1972 (?). So, 1972 to 1974. @Doc Mark ???? Ken in NC
Greetings, @snwcmpr , @richmay, @kerophile , and All, Sorry to have been quite scarce, but we're still in the middle of our heaviest work load in many years. Should be getting back to normal towards the end of June. Richard, I agree with the dates that George and Ken have mentioned. I have a slightly earlier version of this stove, with the similar box, though the box is marked "Made in Sweden", with no mention of Optimus at all. This stove box, in which this stove came, is dated on the inside of the box top, "1-28-71". The SVEA123 is marked "Sievert" in all the right places, and has the older Sievert vapourizor, and a type 3 fuel cap. The pot handle is marked "Sievert", but not the key, and there was no chain on this stove, when it was gifted to me by the widow of a very dear friend, Andy Sorensen (Sketch). Not sure if this stove has ever been fired up, but if so, most certainly not very much. Price sticker on the box is "$9.49". IF the 1971 date is correct, then Optimus had just purchased Sievert, and this stove may have been the last of the actual Sievert-made SVEA123 stoves. Just a thought, but maybe worth consideration. I am glad you like your stove, and happy to see it found a good and loving home with you!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
@snwcmpr , @kerophile , @Doc Mark , and All Gentleman thank you for your time, patience and effort to answer my question. Snwcmpr The photos came from Doc Mark when we swapped stoves a while back, as yet I have not taken any myself.
