Greetings, All, Though I already have several Phoebus 725 stoves, when I saw this one at "that same old Swap Meet", I simply could not resist asking the seller what he was asking for it! Let's just say, it was MORE than worth buying, at the seller's price, but I dickered a bit, and got it for quite a bit less! Got this stove back to my Mom-in-law's, and decided to see if it would fire up, with just the scant fuel that was contained in the font. No telling how old the fuel was, but it still smelled like Coleman Fuel, so I got one of Mom's little 1ml syringes, with which she gives her little doggie his meds, and gave this stove a whirl!! Here's what I found, and how it turned out: There was a spare gassie globe top inside the tin, too, which, of course, does not belong to the 725. The paper label that is still with the stove is charred a bit, and not worth affixing back onto the font. I may get a set of both decals, and than again, maybe not. The original small plastic bag, containing a jet, cleaning needle, a gasket, and an NRV pip, was still there, and the spares never used. Cool! Here goes the prime. 1ml was sort of "skinny", IMHO, so I gave it two squirts to fill the priming dish on the font. You can see the priming flame, and of course, the stove and fuel are fairly dirty and in need of a clean, and fresh fuel. However, it was not quite dark enough to actually see the blue flame, which had yellow tips, of course. So, I waited until dark, and fired the 725 up again. This time, I got some fun flame shots, however, the flames appear very yellow, and the blue which was very apparent to the naked eye, did not show in the flame shots. No matter, as the flame is pretty good, especially for being created by some dregs of old Coleman Fuel!! All in all, finding this little Phoebus 725 was really enjoyable, and it really tickled me to STILL be finding great stoves, for very reasonable prices, at "that same old Swap Meet", which has yielded up, quite literally, hundreds of great stoves to me in the last 30+ years!! I may keep this one, or I may decide to sell it, as I have more of these great Phoebus 725 stoves. Can't decide, just yet....... Thanks for giving this little 725 a squint, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Hi Doc ! Don't worry about decide Just playing keep blue flame with 725 haha Congradturation Doc. Gunsoo
That is a really good find Doc, it is amazing how with a trained eye one can still find that choice item. It is what makes ventures like yours still profitable and enjoyable. Thanks for sharing! Chef/Harold P.S. Thanks for the flame shots
Hi Doc how are you today, congratulations on a brilliant score. All Phoebus stoves look brilliantly made, I all ways think like Coleman stoves ahead of there time. It's such a shame such a great stove is no longer in production. The flame shots are stunning Doc, very well taken in fact. I personally would buy the two decals, and I would give this little beauty a fettle mainly cleaning out the tank the paint work looks really good just a light clean will do, keeping it as original as possible. Considering it has just been fired up with no fettling and with old fuel dregs, I am very impressed with the flame pattern once again Doc well done there
Greetings, Mates, Yes, I was quite pleased when, on my second pass through the swap meet, I found this stove! I had been thinking, for about half my search that day, "Optimus #9", over, and over, and over again, trying to see if I could induce one to pop into view!! Didn't work, I'm afraid!! Then, a thought came into my head, "Stop that! You're wasting your time. Be thankful for whatever you find, and don't worry about the #9"! I almost laughed out loud when that came upon me!! So, I just let the thought of a #9 go back to being dormant, and enjoyed the swap meet for whatever came to hand. On the second pass through, a seller whose offerings I'd already perused, had put out the little Phoebus. As soon as I saw it, I gave it the once-over, realized that all was there, and began the pricing dance. In any case, I got it for a good price, and as it works like a champ, I'm very happy to have found it. However, when I got back from Mom's, I took a quick inventory of my Phoebus stoves, and realized that I already have about 4-5 725's, and probably the same number of 625's!! I'll make sure, of course, then decide whether to keep this one, or sell it. I have really never gotten into selling my stoves, but the time has come to thin the herd, so to speak, and in truth, I have another hobby that is in deep need of some coin. So, I may see if I can turn some stoves, and fund the other project I have on the table: working on a lovely pair of JBL L250 speakers!! They are absolutely stunning, and I have all the drivers except the proper woofers. But, I have found an almost new pair of those, and they are being saved for me. That's part of the reason for deciding it's time to sell some stoves!! 8) Thanks, again, for all the kind words, Guys! I DO love stove hunting, when I can find the time to get out and do it!! I'll post a note when the decision has been made as to which stoves will be put on the block. I'll offer them here, first, and if there are no takers, will put them on eBay, or sell them locally. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
That's a heartwarming tale of being thankful for what's delivered up. I agree, it's the best philosophy to enjoy the moment at its best and appreciate the bounty. Hope an Optimus 9 falls in your lap one day Doc. Great Phoebus meanwhile ... John
