I have been fortunate to be able to purchase an Optimus 8 in quite good condition, but it came from the estate of a friend who died of cancer recently. So, on one hand I am pleased to have such a fine stove in my possession, but on the other - I would rather have my friend back. Here is the stove as received... (it came with the original three Primus prickers) The stove is clearly in good condition - used but not abused. I spent this morning going through it, giving it a good cleaning and now it looks somewhat better... Special thanks to Hikerduane who (in spite of being just released from the hospital) provided information that helped me with the purchase. Don
These are rare, felt they were worth more than a regular 8R, and maybe it wasn't a slap in the face of your friend. I think I paid over 2 Xs what you did for a unused one. Duane
It is in very nice condition and you've cleaned it up beautifully. I've seen a lot of 8Rs in steel cases, but is this case made of aluminum? - Darrel
I'm pretty sure I've got one of these somewhere. I doubt it's as nice as yours though. Hopefully I'll come across it again someday. Ben
When my life is over I just hope someone will acquire, use, and appreciate all my stoves and lanterns.
@taku I can understand the mixed feelings. It can be a good thing to have a physical object like a stove, and bringing it back to its former glory as a way of processing a loss. Can I ask if you know of any French connections around how this stove came to your friend and now you? Thanks and all the best, e
@taku , You have a good heart, to feel as you do, and that is a very good thing! I truly think that your friend would not only understand, but would applaud your having bought his stove, refurbished, and used it!! In a similar situation, our dear friend, @bajabum passed away, but before he passed, he called me and asked if I would help his wife, Joanne, with his stove and lantern collection. I gave me word to do so, and have made good progress on doing just that. Those of us who have bought Steve's things, all feel pretty much the same, in that Steve would be very happy that we did so!! I still have much left to do in passing along what is still left of Steve's goodies, but the next step is to offer them here, to his fellow Stovies, and I KNOW that this is what he wanted me to do! I'm betting it was the same with your departed friend, too. Thanks for sharing your new stove, and also the story behind it! You have my respect, Sir, and I wish you a hearty "Well Done"!!!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc P.S. Whenever I see, or use the items of Steve's (bajabum's) that I purchased, I feel that Steve is here with me, and that he is happy that his goodies have remained in the hands of those who will love and enjoy them. I'm sure it's the same for all my fellow Stovies and friend who bought some of Steve's things, and I very much hope it will be the same with you, too, Good Sir!
To answer a couple of questions... Yes, the case is aluminum. I do not know how my friend's father came into possession of the stove, but hope to find out at some point in the future. Don
I agree with BradB, I would be pleased if my friends used my stoves after me, I expect your friend felt the same. a nice reminder of your friend. ivan
I have a bad feeling that mine will end up at a lawn sale selling for pennies on the dollar when I am gone. Hopefully it is many years down the road. It is a beautiful stove you acquired.
