Hi, I always had trouble understanding people in the knife forums who buy a beautiful knife and keep it mint in a safe... yet here I am conflicted about using a new stove purchase. I just picked up an unused (to the best of my knowledge) 123... still has box, instructions, cleaning needle. There's no sign that there has been flame on the burner or burner plate. The tank has no smell of fuel, and the wick looks new and fluffy in the tank. I also own a 123R, and recently picked up another vintage 123 which had been minimally used and works beautifully. A fair question would be why the heck I picked this one up... it's just that I love this stove, and had a hard time not wanting this one in such nice shape. Would anyone else have trouble being the first person to fill the tank and light it up? It's nothing to do with resale for me... I won't be selling this, but might pass it on to a grandchild if my kids make me so lucky as to have some. Here are a few pics:
Cool, if my memory serves me well, someone on this forum said the 123 U was a special edition for the Sigg Tourist style kit. It does look like an Optimus version so after 1969, when Optimus bought the company. Note the rings on the riser, just below the burner bell. Also, no Sievert or any part numbers on the parts. Burn or not, it's up to you. I don't know what I would do, I only have 1 unfired stove. A 1982 M1950 from SMP company. Ken in NC
Absolutely, yes - even though the 123 isn't a particularly rare stove. I've never understood people who are prepared to pay a premium for a brand new, unfired stove only to fire it up. I simply can't understand the logic - supposing there is any, of course...
You beat me to it David. You can buy a used 123 for 1/3rd the price you paid for yours. So I assume you paid $199 because you wanted a new unfired one. Once you fire it, it becomes a used 123 worth 1/3rd what you paid. Although you're not concerned with resale value, once you light it, it effectively means that you've got a used stove that cost you $199. Terry
Just to add to what David and Terry have said, there are lots of 123R stoves in unfired condition - you can still buy one now. But I can't remember seeing a 'mint' version of the earlier 123. By all means fire it up, but then it is 'just another' 123, of which there are thousands. You have other 123 stoves you can class as 'users'. I would not fire it up but treasure it as a one of the last unfired 123 stoves in the world. Of course, the majority of CCS members will disagree with me, but I am used to that.
That BIN 123 U is still on the bay for $249.00. Why not buy the second and fire it and save the other?
Hey, Walkabout, Welcome to CCS, Sir! I have to agree with David, Trevor, and the others who urge caution in firing up your lovely stove. Like a few others here at CCS, I have some lovely and wonderful stoves that came to me completely unfired, and I've never regretted my decision to keep them that way. Once a stove is fired, it's no more special than one that's been worked for a long time. But, keeping a few virgins, "just because"..... ahhhhh, now you're talking some real satisfaction for a happy owner, and more appreciation, too!!! You already have a couple of user 123's, why not keep your special one just as special as it is now?!! Just my two cents, and as you've already seen, there are others here at CCS that would fire up their Grandmother, if she was a stove!!!! Take the high road, and enjoy it as is, then use the others!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Thanks for all the wise words of advice everyone! I think I'll keep it mint for now... particularly since I have very similar stoves to use. I won't be so quick to judge those who don;t want to use their mint knives from now on
something that is 40+ years old and brand new should stay that way if at all possible. If I had it and the world was collapsing round my ears and it was the only way to save my self I would use it but otherwise no.
Send me the unfired 123 and I will take the worry off your shoulders for you. I won't even tell you what I decide to do, if you really want to be anxiety-free. We are such a great brotherhood here on CCS. We do things like this for each other. It's how we roll.
You lucky person, Not many collectors have the chance to make the choice before you! If you have got 123's coming out of your ears, why not donate a couple to the third world (ME!!!). Best regards - Steve.
Hi and welcome!, I'm relatively new at CCS. I agree with David,Terry,and Trevor on this. Since you have two more, then you have seen and heard the flame. If you plan to give it to the kids, then take good care of the box, the paper work, and the rest. Allow them to take a brand new stove out of the box. Teach him how to start it and enjoy seeing it come to life together. yours, Daryoush
the thing with a newly discovered old stove (or anything) is the joy of finding it. By keeping this stove new it may impart the same joy to someone else. Once its fired its just another stove. 123s are not uncommon unused 123s certainly are
I'd be inclined to set it aside unfired just becuase I already have a few 123's to enjoy my unfired 71E w/ pan set has that status either way its a matter of personal taste enjoy!
