Hiya, Here is a few pictures of my latest stove, an unfired Optimus 80 that I would suggest(I don't know lol) is a 70's vintage, there is no marking on tank bottom or anywhere else except made in Sweden on the valve stem. I have a primus 71L that looks exactly the same except its been used and the tin is in a worse condition although still quite nice. The Box is not in very good nick, but hey you can't have everything. Anyway enough talking I'll post the pictures now There are Black marks in the tin, is that corrosion, can it be polished out? and finally should I fire her up or leave as is. Ray
Very nice… Fun find… I always wonder why anyone would have bought a stove, and then never use it? But then, I have a NIB “Primus” 71, in mint condition, box too, and I still can’t answer my own question…
If you decide to fire it, I suggest making an IKEA hobo stove as a pot support, and use that instead of the tin, to keep the tin nice. I cut a hole in the side of the IKEA canister for the stove control key, and place a computer cooling fan guard on top as a pot support. Basil
I have a Primus 71L which is the same as the Optimus 80, I would use the tin from that if I decide to fire it. Ray
I've wondered that myself. The conclusion I've come to, is some people must have liked the idea of camping or fishing, climbing, or other outdoor pursuits but for whatever reason never got into it. The equipment purchases languish unloved and unused on a shelf somewhere. This is a good thing for collectors and users. Barely used, used once, or even unused stoves, tents, lanterns, etc. aren't unusual at all really. In the "used once" category, I've seen several examples offered for sale that by the evidence remaining it seems pretty clear that the general priming method for gasoline pressure appliances was none too clear in their mind and hopefully they at least avoided a trip to the burn unit. Don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to deduce they ended up with a huge fireball, and decided to put it away. Hm.
I was tempted to just say "ditto" after Haggis. I end up with unfired stoves only to ask myself WHY did i buy that... no answer (a few were a surprise to find that they were unfired, similar question: oh great. Self, Now what? Ah yes, buy a user!) but this just in @whiteturbo, I hope I'm not too late. You have a P71 like your 80... that would settle it for me. Fire up the P71. I would not fire up the 80 if i were you. Cherish it as-is if you can or sell it off to a collector that welcomes unfired / NOS / NIB examples. They are sought-after. Of course you'll do what you want but you asked.
