After looking for another No12 I finally found one that ticks all the boxes. Never been fired, paint in pristine condition, complete with funnel, multitool etc. A bit pricey and a 3hr round trip to collect. But worth it. Unusually the stamp is on the left of the case unlike all others I've used or seen. Made in 2008 so the same year as my other one. Boxed and shipped in June 08. Released this year never used. Only down side was the burner head being slightly off set so that you couldn't operate the control valve. This was easily fixed and will now be stored with my other precious finds. I'm often asked why buy a new stove if it's never going to be used. Well I usually buy two of the things I like then I can use one and still have the other in pristine condition. simple but maybe hard to understand for some.
I understand it well enough. I have a handful of pristine non-users. I have at least 50 users so no problem. Besides, I expect the non-users to be used by kids or grandkids one day, as gift or inheritance. That one's a beauty.
I have an unused Dieselkocher, and a used one. I have a mess of unused for display. I also have no shortage of users.
I would like to do the same. But alas as soon as I buy a new stove (or lantern) I have an uncontrollable urge to fire it up. I have no will power.
Lately I have liked to do "themed" stoves on backpack trips. This was the origin of my "Vino et Veritas" action gallery post last Summer. This Spring, I thought I'd do one with the Hipolito 0. I had a title which I will retain privately for the nonce. I saw that my Hipo 0 was totally new, unfired, with the great tin; one of the best of graphics, stove and tin both. I sort of had forgotten that it was pristine. I remembered that one of my brothers, who collected for awhile, had one. Indeed, he had the tin in his display case at his office. But the stove was missing, and he can't find it. I decided to leave the unfired one alone. It is a real beauty. I'll give it to a grandson or granddaughter over the next couple of years. Then they can use it with pleasure and keep it as a gift from the old "mountain man" grandpa. In the case of my clan, I have enough serious campers and hikers, and admirers of Old Koskoosh, that I'm not concerned that all the stoves will one day not find a proper place. I am quite confident that none will ever be tossed out.
I don't understand the draw of an unfired stove. To me, that's akin to the Ferrari that can't be driven. What's the point?
You, obviously, would not understand. And, no, it is not like a car. Bad analogy. If you do not understand, then sell the unfired, old, stove and take that money to buy 2 or 3 of the used ones and use them.
