I just got this optimus 80. The previous owner told me he had never lit it (best be can recall anyway). I can tell it has been lit once (see pic) I wonder if these were tested in the factory prior to being sold or if this has indeed been used. Also has "F & RES" scratched on it. Any of you KIWI'S know what that might mean, forests and reserves? It did belong to a guy that worked the bush on the westcoast prior to the days of DOC. He said he got it about 50 years ago. Wish I asked about the inscription. Dan
Yeah, Its actually a lot cleaner looking in real life that in the photo especially the burner head, that still is mostly shiny brass. Most of the marks on the tank are caused buy my greasy mitts. But I am sure you are correct, it has been used. The tin looks like it has not been used at all, but I can't be sure. To be honest I hope it has been used otherwise I would not want to use it myself.
Still a goodlooking stove that I would love to have in my collection. Tin seems to be allmost in mint condition, and the stove would probably clean up nicely. I saw one for sale some years ago, but appearently the owner knew what he was selling as the price was skyhigh, (he probably didnt want to sell it). Anders
I think the state of the label on the stove shows it's only ever had light use. If it had been used in anger over any period of time the label would be significantly more deterioated than it appears in the picture. Very nice find! This is one stove that's missing from my collection so I now need to clear the drool from my keyboard.
When did the sticky lables come into use? My Primus, Optimus and Svea stoves from the late 60's through the 70's all have roll engraving. Gerry
yelloowdog, I have the identical stove (Primus 71L) in the blue and red case that I bought new in Toronto, Canada in 1971 or 72. Only difference seems to be the brand - Primus 71L not an Optimus 80. The filler cap pressure relief valve looks a little different but that seems to be all. Primus 71L, Optimus 80, and Svea (model 123) are pretty much the same stove. Svea 123 has a different case. All three companies owned, or bought, or something, each other according to the history on this site. Check out my posting on the Fettling Forum. I'm thinking of trading or giving away mine as I am not a collector or dealer. Just an old camper who hasn't used it in years. hovis
Well, I spoke to the person who sold me this stove, they have no idea what "f & res" stands for. It may for ever be a mystery to me. In other news... I finally lit this stove today. I could not hold out any longer. It goes like a dream. I just noticed that the washer under the fuel cap still has sweeden written all over it in white. I am temped to replace it with one of my home made ones and keep that sweeden one as it is... but I would most likely lose it eventually. On a slightly different topic, I blew the safety valve on my 71e today. I primed it in the tin. How do you guys prime yours, in or out? Fixed it with some nitrile rubber, some scissors and patience. All good now.
