Optimus 111 (F) embossed, with accessories

Discussion in 'Optimus No:111 (all variants) + later Hiker & Hike' started by Staffan Rönn, Aug 16, 2019.

  1. Staffan Rönn

    Staffan Rönn SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    Optimus 111 (F = "förnicklad" which is Swedish for nickel-plated) with accoutrements. I put in a bid on this one only because it had most of the accessories. As it turns out, it's quite a nice unit in pretty good shape. Probably made in the mid to late 1950's.

    rag30.jpg

    First of all, the outside of the case is in beautiful shape. Here after a quick clean up and just a little bit of wax. I really like this greenish tone, and the embossments are very elegant.

    rag1.jpg
    Unfortunately some pretty crude rust inside the case just locally around the clip that holds the preheating cup.

    rag6.jpg
    Original flame spreader marked Optimus and Sweden.

    rag9.jpg
    Control key with burgundy red knob.

    rag10.jpg

    Original packaging in need of some TLC.

    rag12.jpg

    Hand written price tag with a bit faded writing. It seems that original price was 49.- (SEK?), crossed over an put on sale for 38.-

    IMAG8661.jpg
    Original quality hallmark hang tag.
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    Manual in four languages.

    rag17.jpg
    The rag a.k.a. wiper. A cleaning cloth that originally came with the 111's and 22's.

    rag18.jpg

    The spirit can No. 69, possibly with a replaced spout. I think the original ones had a folding spout. The spirit can actually comes from another 111 I have, but I wanted to consolidate into one complete unit.
    rag19.jpg

    The whole kit. The nickel plating is in excellent condition.

    rag23-2.jpg

    So - will it work? I have not yet done anything to the burner, only checked that there is pressure build-up and no obvious leakage. So I put some fresh paraffin in the tank and preheated.
    rag25.jpg

    And ignition! The image does not do the color of the flame justice. It is more blueish, but I still think it burns far too rich. I will later try with a new jet.
    rag28.jpg
    rag31.jpg

    rag34.jpg

    rag39.jpg
    When brew is ready, the rag finally comes in handy!
    rag42.jpg
     
  2. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Very nice.
     
  3. Retro Camper

    Retro Camper Subscriber

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    It's truly a beauty.

    Is that a box of Optimus matches I see in the background?
     
  4. boknasild

    boknasild Subscriber

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    That's a very beautiful stove Staffan. I'm still missing a 111 with nickel plated tank in my collection.
    Have a nice weekend Bjørn
     
  5. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    Staffan

    That’s a fine 111 assembly you have there. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

    Is there date code anywhere on the paperwork or box?

    Cheers

    Tony
     
  6. hikerduane

    hikerduane Subscriber

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    From a week ago, I see I have one from a couple years ago, mine has the white knob.. More nickel.
    Duane
     
  7. Staffan Rönn

    Staffan Rönn SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    Thanks all for comments.
    Well spotted @Retro Camper , I'm using Optimus matches. Small but important detail...;)

    @Tony Press , I have not found any stamping or date code unfortunately.

    And yes - more nickel to the stovies!!
     
  8. Afterburner

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    Nice kit with all bells & whistles! Globe on case looks nice! :thumbup:

    Here nickel's secondary meaning is bullet. So it's a bit dangerous to say "I want more nickel". It means shoot me.
     
  9. Staffan Rönn

    Staffan Rönn SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    Thanks @Afterburner ,

    Ooops... Was not aware of the dual use of nickel, I thought lead was used for that purpose...:lol:
     
  10. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    @Staffan Rönn ,

    Staffan,

    This is a wonderful post, of a fantastic stove!! Lovely, in all ways!! It would be cool to come into a supply of those original Optimus wiping cloths!! I've asked SB if she could possibly make me one that looks like it, and she is going to see about that. The 111 is just a do-everything stove, in my book!! From a huge roar, to a gentle simmer, the 111 can do it all. Overall, it's always been super reliable, too, in my experience. Your 111F is stunning, and thanks for the laugh @Afterburner , when telling us that "more nickel" has another meaning!! AS I don't wish to be shot, I'll not ask for "more nickel"!! ;) :shock: :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol: Thanks, again, Staffan, and enjoy that beauty of yours! Take care, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc

    PS - already thinking about stoves, but last night, I had a ridiculous, recurring dream about a crappy backpacking tent!! I could NOT get it out of my mind, and even when I awoke, during the night, and made better suggestions to myself for that horrid little tent that kept popping into my dreams, as soon as I fell asleep once again, there was that crappy tent, again!!! YIKES!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :doh: :doh:
     
  11. Afterburner

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    @Staffan Rönn & @Doc Mark I think that saying is coming from full jacket bullet, which jacket is made of 'cupronickel'. Maybe it's older type bullet jacket from WWI and/or WWII era?

    That kind of bullet causes acute nickel poisoning and that's the reason people here generally don't ask 'nickel'.
     
  12. IvanN

    IvanN United States Subscriber

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    Doc, did it look like a hospital bed? :-k I may know why you had that dream.:lol:
    Glad to see your posts so soon :thumbup:
    Ivan
     
  13. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    @IvanN , Ivan,

    Nah, it was really a tent that has, to my knowledge, been made, nor offered. It was similar to most of the other two pole tents, but so very crappy that, even if it HAD been a real tent, I would never have bought it. In any case, it was a weird dream, and I was glad when I woke up for the day, upon which time I related the entire dream to SB. She just shook her head, and laughed!!

    Yes, it's fun to post so soon after my surgery! Since I can't do much, posting seems to work out, though I did spend so much time posting online today, that I was worn out, and went back to bed for almost two hours!! Now, SB has awakened me so that I can shake off the haze and get ready for dinner. She's making a mysterious version of a Shepard's Pie! I'm really looking forward to it!! Thanks, again, for your fun comment about the hospital bed!! Take care, and God Bless!

    Doc
     
  14. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Shepards Pie is mysterious enough for me.
     
  15. Staffan Rönn

    Staffan Rönn SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    Hi @Doc Mark ,
    So good to have you back, best wishes for a continued speedy recovery!
    As you say the 111 is truly a great piece of gear. Considering all the years it has been made in different versions, it probably is Optimus' most successful product ever.

    Crappy tents can really be a punishment, so let's be happy it was only a dream. :lol:

    Side note: I wonder what a shrink would have to say on grown up men getting all wired up over a 60 year old rag (even if the rag happens to be called a wiper)...
     
  16. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    My shrink would be glad to hear that I have an interesting hobby. :)
     
  17. Staffan Rönn

    Staffan Rönn SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    Your shrink must be a very apprehensive one… :lol:
     
  18. kerophile

    kerophile United Kingdom SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Wiper cloth = Regression to childhood = Comfort Blanket.

    Comfort_object

    Best Regards,
    Kerophile.
     
  19. Staffan Rönn

    Staffan Rönn SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    Comfort blanket… of course, there we have it! :lol:
     
  20. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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