Can you see my grinning face in the chrome?

Bought this one yesterday, didn't know what it was until I got it home. Glad I made the decision to buy it now I've looked in the gallery. Just a teaser of a picture for now, I'll add more later when it's had a clean.

 

Hi Lucky Matthew,
Optimus Halmia (AKA No.9)?
Best Regards,
Kerophile.

 

You know it, Only the Optimus stamp on the end of the tank cap and on the the control spindle. Not marked Halmia like some of the others are.

 

Matthew - you lucky duck!

 

THE HOLY GRAIL!!!

 

Ok so i've teased for long enough now I think. I'd have liked the plating to polish up a bit more than it has, similar to what's covered under the end cap would have been nice. But I can't have it all now can I.

I love the way this stove is put together, all made to work like an Optimus and look like a piece of art. The pump is a short little thing, as in the picture, it's about as long as the stove is round. the pot rests fold out of the two haves of the end cover and a third is located on top of the frame bolted to the tank. I'll let the pictures do the rest. Unfortunately for me, what the pictures don't show and I don't want to spoil it for the rest of you, is the stress crack in the top of the tank rendering it currently useless.

I'd say judging by the colour of the jet, flame spreader and control spindle knuckles, this stove hasn't seen a lot of use. So it's a shame that it has come to such an unfortunate (incontinent) end, but I shall look after it and treasure it for now.

 

Well done buddy

Pleased for ya, u been quiet of late ! Nothing like a gorgeous stove to bring a man out of hiding aye

 

Haha, thanks Ray, I'll be honest, I've not bought a stove in a long time hence I've not posted here. Did I mention that I don't collect stoves?

 

Shoot, I'd take a #9 with a hatchet buried in the tank.

 

Hi Matthew, you must know that I and everyone else is delighted that you have landed a No.9.
You will have more visitors than usual at your display at the next Newark.

Shame about the stress fracture, but it might be fixable at a price.
But as it is it is a great display stove.

Looking at your photos I was noticing the blemished outer surface.
You mention that you have cleaned it. How did you clean it?
I feel sure that if you use Autosol with a polishing pad on a drill (I use a Dremel-type drill), it will look a lot better.

Anyway, well done. I am green with envy.

 

Trevor, I used Autosol and a rag, I didn't want to go too over the top with the polishing incase I went throughout the plating. I might have another go at it and see if it comes up any better. To go whole hog it needs stripping down take the end out of the tank fix the crack and then get it re-plated. But I'll leave that for someone else to do if I get bored with it and sell it.

 

Oh boy - that's one lovely stove!

The Optimus No. 9 is what we at CCS refer to as 'The Holy Grail'… it was ahead of its time when it was made.

Congratulations on a very nice find!


Frank

 

It's encouraging there are still treasures to be found without paying silly money (I assume).

Since I see from the Stove Ref Gallery you've just got a Primus 41 too you seem to be on a lucky streak Matthew. Do the Lottery - NOW!

John

 

When I first saw it from a distance, my thought was blimey, that's a big Borde bomb. Thanks John, yes I did seem to be having a lucky streak yesterday, unfortunately no lamps for me but I settled for these stoves instead. I got an RM rangemaster as well that needs some work before I hopefully sell it and pay for both of the others.

 

G,,day .

absolutely beautiful . the design is modern even now .
I am sure it was bloody futuristic when it came out .
a pity about the crack .
cheers,
kerry

 

Fantastic find!

You really can't go looking for one of these, I think it would drive you mad in your search. You just have to be aware that they exist and if you happen upon one - snatch it up, quick!

I think it would be nice to accidentally find one.


Wow!

sam

 

Thanks Sam, I know what you mean, but even when I bought it I had no idea it existed. I was going on the fact it was stamped Optimus and I hadn't seen one before so I thought it must be special took a punt and came up trumps, could have quite easily left it there and looked it up when I got home and regretted it for the rest of my life. If only I could memorise the entire SRG that mistake would never be made.

 

Mmmmmm. Nice , Nice ... Lovely .
One day .. Ahhhhh ,One day ... I'll find my 'Grail'... Halmia ?,Comet 3?, Radius 42 with ALL the various accessories ?....Nahhh .. I'm hanging out for a cast Gloria No.2.
Nice ..V V Nice .. O.K.. I'm a lil bit evnious :-).
Keep History Alive . 8)

Nick.

 

Congrats Matthew! That's a great way to find a classic - by total chance!

 

, awesome.....congrats.....am happy for ya!
cheers;
Lou