sorry for spamming this forum. I just got a wee beauty of an Optimus 1 from trade me nZ. Cooked my dinner on it and now feel like I belong on this forum. Alas, I have no idea how old it is. I've trawled thru every link/thread I could find here, but couldn't find a way to date it. It has the standard markings and optimus #1 with a smaller 1 next to that. here are some photos of box, instructions, stove etc Now I have to crack out the brasso and get polishing. cheers for all advice/help
Hi Optimus (unfortunately) did not date their stoves, so you have to look for other clues. The inner burner cap and the instruction leaflet suggest the 1960s to me. No doubt someone will put me straight if that is not correct.
Looks like a normal post to me! If it was spam no-one would be reading this now & would be wondering what had happened to Ramenoholic.
Certainly post 1962 - the leaflet was adapted from the earlier Primus one. I'm sure the filler cap gives more clues.
Hi, I think this stove dates from the 1960s. If you examine the instructions closely, probably at the foot of the final page you might be lucky enough to get Printer's information, including a date. It will be in very small print. Best Regards, Kerophile
Hi, the unusual filler cap/air release valve is very distinctive, as Ross says. Here is a photo of my Primus No.3 super1. This is a 7-pint stove, and my example is one of the last manufactured, at the time of the Primus Trading Company, I believe, so it will be post 1962. Here is a close-up of the filler cap/air-release valve: The Sweden marking can be read standing normally, or on your head. Best Regards, Kerophile
Hi, check out the Optimus 45 in this link: https://classiccampstoves.com/fusion/gallery/5/1216301130-optimus_45_03.jpg I believe that it has the same type of filler/air release valve. It is also a late model, probably from the 1960s. Best Regards, Kerophile.
I've been scanning some late Optimus material for the site. This cap style appears to have come in from the late 1970 until as late as 1985.
What is the "super 1", I've never noticed that before, even though it has obviously been around for a long time. I feel like the boy at the back of the class who has missed a lot of what has been going on around him. Enlighten me please.
Greetings, Lads, Here are some photos (which you long-time CCS members have seen before) of my own, unfired, Optimus #3, with the same "1" above it. I've always thought this stove dated to around 1972, or so. Here goes: The sharp-eyed amongst you will be able to see the number "1" after and above the #3. Shown with my 1920 Pocket Primus, for size comparison. And, with a later version of that wonderful little 96. David and Goliath, eh??!! And, finally, one of my all time most favorite photos, a selection of "lesser" stoves, clustered around and under the protective pot support of the Mighty Optimus #3!!!! Very neat, me thinks!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Hi Doc - I'd be interested to know what you base that on? I've looked at some Primus & Optimus material from the 1972 period & they don't feature that filler cap. I think the illustration were more accurate in this period ie new promo shots for the catalogues rather than reusing old stock photo's. I have just this last few days been scanning a mass of late (to me that means 1970-8o's) Optimus material to add to the site. It would seem the requirement to use date codes was lost some time in the 1970's so I'm struggling to date some of the material. That isn't help by my lack of general interest in the models from this period ie the 199, 323, 324, 1000 etc - I don't know much about them so can't pin down dates with knowledge based on when a model was launched or altered. I' hoping you guys will be able to pins some of this down once they are on the site.
Hey, Ross, Oops!! Looks like I didn't check that 1972 catalog closely enough!! I can see that the filler cap is nothing like mine, nor the other stoves shown with that same cap. My fault for not paying closer attention! However, I just checked some earlier Optimus catalogs, and I still don't see that same type of cap. Have I missed something, again?? Check the 1959 catalog, and unless I messed up again, the fuel cap on the #3 is what looks like a different one than mine. My #3 couldn't have been earlier, could it? I can see how it might be from the 1960's, but again, there is no photo showing that type of cap. All of my Optimus catalogs, which I'm sure you already have, are from the 1970-1980's period. If you need any of them, let me know, and I'll either take hi-rez digital photos of them, or just send them to you on loan so that you can take your own photos, as needed. I would very much like to know just how early my #3 actually is, though I'm really doubting it could go before the '60's. Mine came in it's original Optimus wooden shipping crate, the legs still banded for shipment, and it has a bag of spares, cleaning pins, and directions. The bag of pins has this number at the bottom of it: "9552B". Does that mean anything to you? The instructions also have a number, which is: "90452". Could that mean the instructions were printed in 1952?? Since both papers have a "52" in them, I'm beginning to wonder is that's not it!! "9552B" could be "September 5, 1952; and "90452" could be "September 4, 1952". What do you think? Lots of questions, but no answers, so far. Again, if you want good photos of all this stuff, please let me know, and I'll setup the camera and tent, and take some and send them to you. Thanks for your posting of the new info, too, Ross! May I please also have the lantern info? I'm working on the Otpi 1200, and could use whatever info you have on it. The tank, thus far, has produced some of the most evil-looking sludge I've ever seen in such a thing!!! "Nasty" does not even begin to cover it!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Hi Doc - I'm not too hot on this later stuff but it looks like your stove may be younger. Thats based on the assumption that the Primus of the late period closely mimicked the Optimus. Check the 1985 catalogue link I posted above - that filler cap is there. I plan to post the late Optimus material over the next month. If what you have still isn't on the site by the end of october it would be mot welcome. I already have the lamp stuff zipped up in a file as I've just passed it on to BBL. When I get on my main PC over the weekend I'll sort out the link for you.
Hey, Ross, HOLY MOLY, you're right!! There it is, as big as a house, and I missed it, AGAIN!!! I've got to take my vitamins, or drink more Guinness!!! Thanks, my Friend, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
