Optimus 8

Discussion in 'Optimus No:8 (version prior to the 8R)' started by BernieDawg, Oct 3, 2010.

  1. BernieDawg Banned

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    Greetings stove fanciers
    This stove came to me from France. Bryan Millers analysis in an adjoining post indicates that it may have been born between 1931 and 1947.
    The stove needed a good clean and a robust internal fettle. The internal mechanism was clogged with carbon and the original wick was well-charred and gummed by French automobile gasoline. After a clean, the case received a coat of wax.

    1286143702-IMGP4745.jpg 1286143718-IMGP4747.jpg
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    I do not believe the spindle key or chain are correct for this stove. (But, they work for the time being.) Note that one of the tabs is broken off the arm of the flame plate.

    1286143736-IMGP4751.jpg 1286143747-IMGP4754.jpg
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    Note the support post and the large nut that secures the smallish priming pan to the bottom of the burner.

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    The cut out in the heat shield is centered.

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    The clip for the pricker and tool has come apart from the lid and is lost. Originally spot-welded in place, you can see it's outline on the lid.

    1286143800-IMGP4763.jpg
    This early stove uses a "standard format" jet rather than the larger 111-style jets.

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    Simmer. This photo is the closest representation of the actual color of the painted case - a very dark green.

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    Medium.

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    Full out for "tea test". (It passed.)

    1286143849-IMGP4772.jpg
    Just another flame picture for good measure.

    There you have it. If I've misspoken concerning any specifics, please feel to correct in a reply.

    Cheers,
    Gary
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 26, 2015
  2. dday

    dday Subscriber

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    Hi Gary,
    Beautiful work and flame :smile: . I do not see those old #8's come up often, you are a lucky man to have scored it. Out of curiosity, did the fuel supply tube come off hard when you replaced the wick? I give you alot of credit, I'd be nervous as heck torquing on that tube to get it broke loose when its in that nice of shape. Great job and thanks for sharing.
     
  3. RonPH

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    Another fine fettle Gary. Thanks for sharing.

    Nice to see you back.

    Ron
     
  4. Knight84

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    Great stove and pictures Gary!!!


    Found what I have found that key and chain are what belongs to that stove.

    Great flame shots!

    Cheers,
    Jeff
     
  5. idahostoveguy

    idahostoveguy R.I.P.

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    Real nice! Love it when the burner bell, plate, and the pot supports turn red. You know it's putting out the heat when it does that!


    sam
     
  6. BernieDawg Banned

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    Thanks everybody!

    Dan, the fuel supply tube was mightily torqued into the tank as you suspected. Fortunately I have big hands and I was able to unscrew it with only a modicum of grunting and groaning and other "old guy noises". :smile:

    Here's a pic of that old wick just for giggles:
    1286209665-IMGP4724.jpg

    And, I was not that pleased with those shots of the case in my post. My camera (or it's operator) really messed up the color rendition. Here's some more accurate shots of the case:
    1286209775-IMGP4742.jpg 1286209783-IMGP4743.jpg 1286209792-IMGP4744.jpg

    Lastly, and what should have been firstly, a big thanks to Alexander of eBay's Acme Auctions for assistance with the acquisition of the stove, the key and chain, and some of the technical details of it's history and operation. Thanks!

    Cheers,
    Gary
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 26, 2015
  7. bolexguy

    bolexguy Subscriber

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    Fantastic stove! I've dealt with Alexander on several ocassions, a gentleman worth knowing for sure!