Early 111, pre 1956

Hi.
I recently posted photos of an Optimus 111 which was dated to ca 1956. Here is another, which I think predates the 1956 version.

This one has the bracket to secure the burner in the back, not in the bottom. Also it has no wind shield, which may be correct (or it may have been lost during the last 70 or so years ;-). Orherwise it is very similar to the other one.

I wonder if black could have been the original color? This one has been repainted for sure, but I can’t find traces of any other color on the tin.

 

@Håvard Kvernelv,
Gratulerer. Det ser originalt ut, veldig fint, takk [Congrats. It looks all original, thank you].
re your
> "...pre-dates the 1956..."
Yes. It is nice "1st version of 111, tentative: 1952 -to- c. 1954"
> "...no wind shield..."
Yes, it is missing it's side scoop wind shield
> "...black could have been the original color?"
Yes, that sure sounds right as well. Black (and very dark green) were common orig colors for 1st ver. 111 (and last ver. 11).

 

@OMC Thank You, then I will restore the paint and make sure this one works before adding it to the line-up of 111s :-)

 

@Håvard Kvernelv

Nice Håvard!

Skauvill

 

You must present your NOS old 111 also, @Skauvill !

 

@Håvard Kvernelv

Yes, and for one of them I just did!. I also have my birthday in this month, so I put it on to Sotm to

Skauvill

 

WoW!!!!

 

Also, how about the burner bracket, what is the difference between the top one and bottom.

 

Hi.
I’d like to give an update on this one.

After first believing this to be black originally, i started to remove the paint, and found a dark green/grey color underneath the black.


It was not easy to decide the color. I happened to have a «rattle can» of RAL 6006 Grauoliv (Grey Olive) which I think came close enough. I applied a layer of clear matte spray at last. I’d like to compare it to @Skauvill NOS 111 presented here recently Early Optimus 111. Unused! NOS. I believe my should have the same color.

The result below. I’d like to wait until the paint hardens before testing it.


I expect some of you would not agree to my «full restoration», but I think the initial state was nothing to keep. :-)

Regards,
Håvard

 

Nice work!
What method did you use to remove the original paint?
Pharael.

 

Hi @Pharael . The black, non-original paint was easily removed with paint stripper (from spray can). What was left of the original green/grey paint (in front, back and under) was just sanded to an even surface. I then sprayed with anti rust primer, and later the color.

 

I have been looking through the gallery and found quite a few early 111's minus the wind shield.
Seems like too many to have all lost them.
Was it not possible that they were supplied without the wind shield?

 

@Andrew - It has been established in previous discussion that the 111 was delievered without windshield in the very early days. Se 1953 brochure here: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/1953-optimus-camping-stove-brochure.121/

And discussion here: OK, all you Optimus No.111 fans

 

@Håvard Kvernelv - Thank you.
My early 111 is similar but came with the windshield and so a later model to yours.

 

@JP2 - regarding the bracket to secure the burner. It was at the back "wall" of the tin in 1952-1955, and from 1956 of, it was at the bottom. Check the 111 timeline here: OK, all you Optimus No.111 fans

 

I'm +1 with:
Hävard's "the 111 was delivered without windshield in the very early days." -and-
these latest comments above.
I think we've got it covered, well done.

I can only add to clarify:
all, @Andrew,
For the relevant comments in link above scroll to the end, page 5. and
There, we (credit to others mostly) we've made progress just recently re the earliest versions.
It seems like the new details, WIP, will hold up. It's all coming together in-sequence w/o exceptions.

 

Thank

 

@håvard

Helt enig med deg der!
Hos meg er det 4 stadier Restaureringsprosjekt- Restaurert-Opprinnelig brukstilstand- samletilstand for hylla (NOS el. Pent brukt)

 

Translated:
Totally agree with you there! With me there are 4 stages: Restoration project- Restored-Original state of use- Assembly condition for the shelf (NOS or nicely used)