This was an eBay "buy-it-now" impulse purchase I made today. It's my first SVEA 123 and it's just going to sit on a shelf. It's a shame but I think firing it up would be worse. It must be at least 40 years old. Ben
Ben, at first glance your 123 appears to be a 'B5' from approximately 1970 as described here. Hopefully the box will have some indication of the date.
@z1ulike I have one similar. The box has a date stamped on the inside of the top flap (if I recall correctly). Tony
The chain says before '70, as Optimus changed the chain. Any stamping on the filler, pricker, windscreen, bell, and key? I found the ad, and so I agree, 1970 or later. A much undervalued quality stove. Just as good as a Sievert, but costs less. Ken in NC
I would agree except that the one I bought does not have the Optimus twisted stainless wire chain. Reading the post you quoted it seemed Optimus was using up old Sievert parts during this time which might explain the different chain. I paid $89.99 with free shipping. I don't know if that's reasonable or not. It's my first SVEA 123 Thanks, I'll be sure to check for a date when it arrives. Ben
Yes, the original listing read, "Vintage Optimus SVEA 123 Camp Stove Camping Made in Sweden Never Used." Ben
Hi Ben, Great find and for an unfired 123 the price you paid is definitely not unreasonable. With that said don't be afraid to fire this stove up, but first you will just need to replace the fuel cap washer and the SRV pip just to be safe. The stove will also look very nice as a shelf queen. Cheers, Norman
Your stove, but there are plenty of those available for burning. After you light it becomes just another stove.
If you do ever fire it up, beware of the 'Svea Thumb'! The valve adjusting key is only intended to be used for starting, closing, and adjusting the stove. It should be removed while the stove is running, that's why it's removable, and on a chain If you leave it in place it will get very hot, and burn your thumb & fingers when next you touch it, and leave a distinctive blister & scar, hence the name.
Isn't that the truth. The title of this topic was meant to say "Why I buy used stoves." This is my first and only unused stove. I'll keep it that way and go back to buying stoves I won't feel bad about firing up. Ben
Ben, I agree not to fire it. It's unique being unfired. There are plenty of fired 123s you can get. In any case it's a great excuse to get another one ! Cheers Rob
I bought my first 123 in May 1970, at Kelty Pack, in Glendale for $8.95. Don't think mine ever had the box. It's not engraved on the windscreen, but 'Max Sievert, Sweden' is embossed in the pot lid and pricker. I think I got a deal on it, as it may've been their floor display model. Since I also bought a big red Kelty A4, and other goodies, they tossed in a German-made 8 oz fuel tin for free, and sold me a 1 gallon can of Coleman gas for a dollar. Mine is no longer "unfired.''
