What is it?

Hi Everyone!

New to the forum hear, and a little new to the classic stoves, although i have used a few perhaps 30 years ago. After a recent moment of nostalgia i had a little browse on ebay and saw a listing for an 8R, possible that i clicked a little too fast....

Question - what actually is it?



I've done some research here and I'm fairly convinced its a 8R box, stamped, sticker, triple hinge. The fuel tank though is not brass (its magnetic) so i'm thinking steel it certainly looks steel now i have it in my hands (i didn't quite check the photos on ebay close enough i think), which makes me think the tank and burner are not the original one.

I still like it but its always nice to know what you actually have, some kind of Frankenstove?

any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

@Bradders123
Hi,
I am no expert on these, but do have a couple of examples of possibly later models as well as Optimus 99s. Mine all have brass (non plated) tanks. I also noticed that your bell has a defined crease just below where it flares, which none (5) of mine has.

These stoves were copied by suppliers to the Russian army (the PT1) and probably others, but I have never had one of those so cannot tell you the differences.
Likewise, I don't have an older Op 8R with the tank embossed like yours. So not a lot of help at all, really!

Maybe someone more relevant will come along soon.

Dean

 

Thanks for chiming in Dean - the box is in pretty good condition (at least in my opinion) paint is pretty bright where there isn't much or rust

 

I have an 8R of a similar vintage with a nickel plated brass tank and as nickel is magnetic, I wonder if yours is also brass with nickel plating?

 

Thanks Paul, i wasn't aware of the brass with nickel plating.... did a bit more digging here on dating and perhaps it is an early version - maybe "A" . Rough guide to dating an Optimus 8R

 

Looks like an 8R to me. A teeny bit of maintenance and make fire.

 

It looks to me that its a Russian pt1 in a 8r case. As far as I know the 8r never came with a plated tank and certainly not an iron tank.
So, that is my guess...

 

@Paul Lydon

Have you tried a magnet on your nickel plated brass tank?

I know pure nickel is magnet, but the “magnet test” is commonly used on plated tanks to distinguish steel from brass.


Tony

 

Sorry for the late reply @Tony Press . I tried a magnet today and it was not attracted to the nickel coating so that idea was wrong.

 

Thanks, Tony.