Hello all! Yesterday, I found my first Optimus stove and I'm super excited! Luckily, I stumbled on it on Facebook Marketplace for $50. It's missing the wrench and the metal wind screen (I don't know if that's the proper name for that part) that goes below the flame spreader. Other than that it looks like it's all there. The only damage I can see is that it looks like it got dropped on the front left corner which bent the brackets that hold the tank and caused the right burner's brass (priming? Again, correct me, I'm still learning the part names) cup to have a little don't in the side. From as near as I can tell, I don't know that it's ever been fired. While that's pretty awesome for my first stove, I was also really excited to fire it up and use it camping. I'm not a collector by any means. So my questions are, 1)Would it be a terrible shame to use it? Or maybe if someone wanted to trade for one that has had some use, I would be more than happy to. 2) Should I polish it up? I guess the answer to the first question would inform this, but if someone wants it for a collection would polished or the original patina be better? Thanks! Barefootman52
Welcome to CCS! This would qualify as one of the most excellent finds possible; the combo of condition and price....
If you don't want it as acollector's item (unfired), I would find someone who wants it unfired, and swap for a used stove or three... . In that svenario, I would leave it exactly as found. Cheers Tony
Thanks! I was pretty shocked when I realized it had never been lit. I'll see leave it as it is for now and see if someone would like to trade with me.
Hi! If it was me, I would keep it, treasure it and definitely use it. It is not like you found the one and only holy grail, there are thousands of these floating around (not many as fine as yours). It will need a little work to get it working, but this is the site to find whatever you might need to learn! I bet there is lots of people (me included) who would love to have a 22 of any kind in their hoard (collection). You might be advised to buy a used 111 to experiment on (probably for more money though). All the best. Lars
