I had been looking for an Optimus 00 for a while after hearing many high opinions of it. After seeing @Odd's example with the 111-style case, I knew I wanted to seek out something similar. One came up for auction and I got with with very little competition. It belonged to the seller's grandfather who was in the 14th Infantry regiment, garrisoned in Gävle. The info card says 1979, so I assume the stove is also from around that time. The seller wasn't sure, but reckoned the 1960s or 70s. The case lacks the Optimus globe label found on other examples, but is otherwise complete. The case has no cutouts, not even for the spring clip. The stove was in good condition, but clearly had been used, so I was surprised to find some parts, still sealed in their packaging. Prickers, spare parts, and a Radius-stamped valve tool. A two sided wrench had its original bag, but had been opened. It included an Optimus labeled spirit bottle. The seal in the lid was cork, to my surprise. After a quick test of the pump, NRV, and filler cap seal, I decided to forego any further inspection and fire it up. Bad move. Flames shot out from between the burner and priming cup. The burner, priming cup and riser were all assembled when I received it, so I had assumed the seals were fine. I took them apart, replaced the seals, and cleaned off the shameful soot. Looked good after a quick scrub and shine The filler cap and vent screw Optimus globe The pump stroke is quite long for fairly small stove The case could be used as a surface to rest the stove if working on loose terrain like sand. The bottom of the case is just the right height to allow the pump to clear the edge so it can still be operated. The top acting as a windshield. Or in very windy conditions, the case could offer more protection on its side Priming with methyl hydrate. @SMolson said this, I agree. The little hinge door on my Radius 21 is adorable, but this shield is far more effective at protecting the priming flame. Burns beautifully Made my breakfast burrito for lunch. The pot stands wiggle a bit in their holders. They seemed to kind of "walk" the pan in one direction any time I touched it. A trivet would solve this problem. I will have to find one and pair it with this stove, especially since there is plenty of room in the case when its packed away. I am glad to finally have this classic stove in my collection and look forward to using it a lot. Anders
@GibsonsRavinePark2, You won this "...with very little competition..." wow, CONGRATS!!! on a fantastic score. I am a fan it is a rare, absolutely wonderful example. Excellent addition to reference gallery. FAVOR: ? Can you add pic of what is stamped on bottom of tank? please. I "think" i know what that is but dont want to assume. I thank you in advance. We do note the "made in Sweden" stamped on top of tank [and OPTIMUS - SWEDEN on top of burner]. If it is made in 78 /79 (pre-82) i think it would still be manufactured by Optimus at the Upplands Vasby factory. Of course info card might have been issued many yrs after '79. --- Seeing your original (rare) Optimus case then the dated info card including: Swedish Military 3 crowns marking combined with Swedish (Intl.) Red Cross. That is what really amped-up my excitement for this. I cant recall seeing another like it posted (but i'm old and ea. year i notice less, lol). Pretty much exactly this is shown and explained here on pg 2 of Stejar's excellent reference thread: Liquid fuelled stoves of the Swedish Armed Forces but that is just one image w/o much detail. THANK YOU for posting your excellent DATED c.1979 example in excellent detail !! PS The Radius valve tool is no surprise. Stejar's example is possibly Radius as well. These Swedish military 1 pinters were known to be issued with combined pcs parts from Primus / Radius / Optimus.
