Every once in a while ya get lucky, I guess. Spotted this for sale at the local farmer's market/flea market today. It was clearly a well-used Svea, but what initially caught my eye was the older Sigg bottle. When I took the cup off the top, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the handle and pricker were still there. Looking closer at them, I saw that they are both marked "Sievert" (tho' on the pricker it's hard to see in the pic). Took a quick glance at the burner, and while it's a little faint, the "9400," "Svea" and "Made In Sweden" are all there. The key and burner bell are also correctly marked, as well. That's when I finally looked at the windscreen. Surprise! A complete Sievert Svea! Never thought I'd stumble across one in the wild. After a small bit of haggling on the price, it was mine. When I got home with it, it fired up right away with no troubles, leaks, or needing to fiddle with anything. Just a real strong flame and that characteristic chuffing sound. The sun washed out the flame pics, so I'll take some later when it's a little darker and the flame will show up better. This could be just about ready to go on the trail tomorrow, and it looks like it's spent quite a lot of time there already. In addition to what's probably 50 years of trail grime, there are a few dents and such to give it extra character. Since it was being sold together with the Sigg bottle, I assume that they were a long-time pair. I think this type of Sigg bottle dates from the early 60s. So here's the conundrum. Part of me wants to get out the polish and elbow grease and give it a good cleaning and shine. The other part of me thinks I should leave it as is, grubby patina and all. Argh! What should I do? John
For what it's worth I say leave all trail grime on there. Who knows where some of it came from. I have one of those myself. My father gave it to me the day I became a boyscout. Todd
Congratulations! If it were mine, I would leave it with the patina and other evidence of its history. I'm surprised you did not have to replace the tank cap seal - it must have been used quite recently. Yonadav
I like grime and patina as long as it is my dirt. Perhaps it is just me but I clean and polish and then use. Then when I see dirt and marks I know it's not someone else's dirt. A bit like finding an old Rolls Royce in a barn. Would I give it a good clean and polish or drive it around covered in dust and chicken****?
I would probably get rid of the dust and chickenshit - gently - but probably not much more. There are way too many cars that has been over-restored out there... just as stoves... They are just a big sigh to me. It's much nicer with patinated things that show some history than over polished/over restored items, but I fully agree with your thoughts about my own dirt contra other peoples dirt... That's why a gentle cleaning in soap and water probably always is necessary when getting a new toy.
Nice find. Really nice. I have a couple of those old Sigg bottles with the metal caps. They were my late uncle's and were given to me along with his 1962 Primus 71. They had a sort of fibrous cap gasket that didn't really work (it leaked), so I replaced it with modern gaskets. I've always wanted Svea 123 with all the Sievert markings, but I've never been willing to pay the asking price. LUCKY you stumbling upon one! HJ
Great find! Being a purist I would leave the patina. If I had a spare Svea I would send it to you so you could polish it instead
Super Find right down to the folding jet pricker! i would just give it a light once over to get the worst of the crud off.next project is to find a case/cook kit to go with it.
Again this is proof of the Doc Mark doctrine: delectable brassies are out there (even) in the Northern Americas. After all, this was and is the biggest market in the western world. What a fantastic find: a highly usable classic with all the nice original features. Just wash the dirt off it, and leave the patina. Brass was chosen by the makers as the optimal material to build these appliances, not to invite owners to give it an indecent shine that has no place when out camping i.m.o. As the new owner the choice is yours, but I'd rather see you as the new caretaker... Your 123 has a round hole in the 'upper deck' to store the key; I believe it to be the very first series that had a pin onto which the key was placed when the unit was stored, but this likely has been altered very quickly. As it is, you could have a unit of well over 50 years old that has lost none of it's functionality while having lots of collector's appeal. Congratulations!
Hey, DutchMike, Thanks for reiterating that credo, Mike! It's absolutely true, and the more you actually LOOK for them, on a regular basis, the more you will find! To the OP, well done, Sir!! If it were my stove, I'd probably knock of the worst of it, then replace the fuel cap gasket, and probably the wick and packing, and enjoy using it just as it turns out! Hearty congratulations, again, and have fun with your great score!! 8) Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc P.S. I once found a complete set of late 18th century scalpels, in their original leather-covered both, including the hand etched business card of the doctor who owned and used them! All this was found in a "doll hospital" shop, if all the unlikely places, and the seller was SO happy that someone finally wanted to buy them, that she gave me a fantastic deal on what is a very rare and very collectable item!! You just never know where you will find your treasures, and it could be anywhere from a farmers flea market, to a "doll hospital" shop!! 8)
Okay folks - here's a couple of flame shots, while sitting out on the porch this evening. Sorry for the delay, but there was a BBQ to attend to (priorities, after all!!). This one's a strong runner. The flame seems reasonably even. I pricked out the cap washer which is very pliable, so it seems that it was replaced at some point in the not-too-distant past. Thanks for everyone's input on the polish-or-not conundrum. Think I'll keep it as is. Might give it a wash, but I'll keep the polish on the shelf. Next time on the AT, this will be going with me. Seems only fitting. Thx again! John
