Calling out to all you burner gurus out there, I recently acquired a very nice practically pristine SVEA 123 in the box that I can not seem to identify a year on or who exactly manufactured it. I have read several post on this forum that identifies different approximate years/manufacturers based on parts design, box design, markers and instruction insert. I wonder if some of you knowledgable chaps change render me some assistance in this matter. For the record, I am a total noob on this subject, however, I have spent several hours pouring over all of the wonderful (yet sometimes confusing) information on this forum A few of the things I have read about (of which, so far each have only helped me become more confused as far as dating and identifying) are listed as follows: -The inclusion of what appears to be possibly Arabic? subtext on the label (similar to the label posted by Archivist2) -There aren't any markings on the flame plate, burner bell, valve key, or filler cap. To quote Spiritburner "1970 Optimus is shipping Svea 123 with... type 3 with single knurl, no text on lid shipping... in Sievert’s Red/White box, with same key as older type Optimus model 8, and all stamped text is removed except on the tank" is stated here (Although my box has a green label and is made of brown corrugated paper.) -The key looks to be an older style but it hasn't been much help in dating it due to other factors. It also has a non-ringed chain. -I don't think it is a 123R since I'm not aware of any "self cleaning needle" inside -It looks pretty much exactly like http://www2u.biglobe.ne.jp/~opt00l/gsvea123.htm]this one[/url] found on this Japanese website (although the image quality is so low I can't see if it shares the same Arabic? subtext) In addition I am posting some pictures outlining the specific parts design, markings, documents and container to hopefully further exemplify my conundrum in identifying this stove. Thanks in advance for any help that you paragons of the petrol can offer. ~Onibaka Close-up of the Svea crest on the box Type 3 cap with pentagon slot Original instructions that look pretty old and have both the Svea and Sievert Crest on opposite sides (marked 92131 on the bottom) Hand Stamped 1-2-71 on the box top of a three flap top with no red tape. .
I would guess Saturday, 2 JAN, 1971 or Monday, 1 FEB 1971. Doubtless that you have a fine example of a great stove. It is not a 123r which has a cleaning needle incorporated with the fuel valve. Some collectors' opinions are biased not in favor to the internal cleaning needle. The fount or tank seems to have a freshly cleaned "haze" to it but the windscreen, flame splitter and burner bell seem new without a patina, I am skeptical of the chain being original. You would want to locate the missing accessories for this stove and check and replace the fuel cap and safety valves bfore using. Still it is a superb find.
All the stove components that you have pictured look exactly like my stove which I purchased in 1972 in Tennessee, USA—the key, the key chain, the flame spreader with a crease on each tab, the cap, the folding jet cleaning wire and the printing on the tank. The label on my stove box had printing in English only.
Early Optimus Svea 123, just after the purchase in 1969. Twisted wire chain (Optimus). No Sievert or part numbers on stove parts. I know someone else will jump in soon and expand this incomplete knowledge. Did you see this post? .... Early 1970's Optimus SVEA 123 In that post are some links to more detailed pictures. Maybe not a Sievert, but a very fine stove indeed. What little I know about these, I believe it went downhill after Optimus took over, but these are still a very fine stove. And yours is in such fine shape, and with a box. I would take it off your hands if you feel like letting it go. Ken in NC
It is pretty hard to date these stoves more precisely than an approximate decade. I agree with Chef BC, the tank and burner appear a bit more "aged" than the screen and burner bell, for whatever reason. Probably nothing wrong with that if you are simply interested in having a good little stove.
There are two slots in the top pan support to store your jet cleaner and pan handle. Great looking stove, light it up
Hi Onibaka, You've got a date code from 1971 and you've found this excellent Research Project by exeter_yak, so I think you did a good job already dating the Svea 123! I'd like to join the conclusions made by snwcmpr and ChefBC in this post. To see (from a distance) if the stove is a 123 or a 123R: Attach the key and see if it points 90 degrees sideways ( 123R ) or a bit downwards ( 123 ) Also your stove has the external pricker which is only for the 123, because the 123R has an internal cleaning needle. Great stove! Peter
Svea Stoves Trading on the box label makes this post Sievert in my opinion. I'm no expert on the nuances of the stove itself but that name was used post Optimus just as Primus Trading was used when Optimus took on the Primus brand for their liquid fuel stuff. 1971 would be my guess too based on the label & the printers code on the instructions.
I don't know how to date this any better than you've done. It is clearly a 123 and not a 123R -- the slight downward angle on the stem is apparent in one of the pictures. The main thing I want to say is, Wow! What a find!
Thanks Chef BC. You are probably correct based on all the information the wonderful people here have provided. I will honestly say that I am completely new to this and say that I originally purchased this from an estate sale as a gamble curiosity without any clue as to exactly what it was. Until doing some google searching and pouring over the incredibly information rich CCS forums, I knew absolutely nothing about these stoves. After learning so much about these wonderful stoves, I hate to part with it and hope to get another one in the future for my own hobby use. Right now i feel I have much more to learn in order to appreciate it fully and operate it correctly. Besides I really could use the money I hope it would fetch at a fair market value (in it's condition). However, you mentioned missing accessories. I'm embarrassed to ask but I really don't know what is missing and whether I need them to get the best price for this stove. Mind you, I'm not asking for a valuation. I understand that being new here and not yet vetted contributor it would be untoward and against policy for me to do so. Besides, as much as I've learned from the awesome contributions to this site, I wouldn't feel right using it solely for that purpose. In fact, if I wasn't more in need of funds then new toys I'd use it to impress my friends on a camping trip to Joshua Tree under the stars that I plan to do someday soon instead and wouldn't even consider getting rid of it. That's Cool Laitch. I actually lived in TN for 10 years and all of my family is still there. Interesting about the label though. I wonder what the deal is with Arabic and where the original owner bought it. I did see that post snwcmpr and thought it looked a lot like mine (except the owner of yours actually got around to using it instead of leaving it in the garage). I guess the person who owned mine originally probably wasn't much of a camper or used a different stove and keep this one in the box. I found your post to be very useful, but unlike you I did not get a chance to remove the stem since I haven't located the right size wrench in my toolkit. I actually wonder if it is even necessary since I'm currently planning to resale it at this point? BTW, as soon as I figure out a way to value this stove I will be posting it on my (soon to be opened)etsy store for vintage goods. When I do, I can send you a message with a link so you can get first crack at it if you are seriously interested. Thanks again for the input. I hope you're getting good use out of your stove so far. Itchy as to address your questions about the patina on the stove and the lack thereof on the windscreen etc. I'm not really sure what make of it either since I only did some minor cleaning (hand wiping) on the tank, but not the other parts. I did notice that the box had some slight water damage on the bottom corner as did the insert instructions. Perhaps this could account for the difference, but I'm not sure. rik_uk3 Thanks for that info, I didn't even notice that till you pointed it out. Sweet! Thanks Dutch_Peter. That was a great tip about checking the direction of the key. It seems to indicate a 123 since it sets about 90 degrees. Furthermore, I did look over that post you mentioned it and was probably part of why I was could convey as much useful info as I was able towards identification. There is seriously a wealth of knowledge on this site and the dedication to research, sharing is incredible. I can't say enough about this being a great community of people who are seriously into camp stoves and know what they are talking about. Thanks Spiritburner. Thanks for taking to time to clarify that for me as well. I really appreciate all of the hard work you have put into this site here and the community you have helped facilitate. I came in knowing nothing about camp stoves at all and was able to find out that there is so much out there to learn about these fantastic devices and their history. Furthermore, I think even if I do sell this stove I will definitely find my way back since I'm sure I will have to pick up another one in the near future when I have more expendable resources. Then I'm sure i will really need help figuring out how to maintain and operate it. Cheers to you for a job well done. I appreciate the info and Brerarnold and the compliments. You all are too kind. Once again I would like to offer a big thanks to everyone who replied so quickly to my post. I didn't receive any notification that I had responses, but only expected one or two at best a day later (if I was lucky). Boy was I surprised, you guys all really came out from everywhere to give me some great advice and encouragement and I can't tell you how much it means. You guys are some seriously cool dudes. Thanks again. -Onibaka
The Arabic writing on the label is a hangover from the days when the Middle East was a big export market for Sievert & the other big manufacturers. What does surprise me is this style label on a 123 of this age. I've seen it on domestic stoves of that vintage with the Svea Stoves Trading' but not spotted it on the 123. They are generally more 'modern'. I'm pretty sure by the time this stove was made theMiddle East market was much smaller & I'd wager the 123 was never a big seller if exported to that region at all. The domestic stoves were the sellers there. Note there are no Arabic instructions! Good luck with the sale if that's what you have to do. Your questions have given us the opportunity to flex our brain cells & reaffirm what we think we know to come to a consensus!
Onibaka, One word of caution; which is one of those "if it ain't broke, don't make it so" situations. I think there may have been a suggestion to remove the burner from the tank? Doing this may be unecessary and may only cause the threaded joint to leak in use. If you take a small flashlight and direct the beam into the fuel tank you should see some cotton wick yarns which draws fuel into the burner. These yarns should be clean and look very similar to floor mop cord, a natural off white cotton color. Being is your Svea looks unused there is a good bet that everything inside is still in place. If you are planning to stay with this hobby please send me a PM and I might be able to help. In the meantime enjoy your stay with a bunch of adults that like to still play with fire. 8-[ Chef
