Optimus 200

Discussion in 'Optimus No:200' started by Tony Press, Jul 14, 2024.

  1. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2013
    Messages:
    9,889
    Location:
    Stinkpot Bay, Howden, Tasmania, Australia
    This is my Optimus No. 200. The Optimus 200 appears in the Reference Library catalogues from 1915 to 1934. I note that illustrations up to 1924 show the Optimus logo that’s on the side of the tank as being on the right hand side of the panel (near the pump), whereas in 1924 and later the Optimus globe is on the left had side of the panel accompanied by text. This is how this stove is stamped.

    The stove as shown below has a repaired lipstick burner; donated burner cap (thanks, @nmp); a homemade (by me) foot and leg; a replacement, period appropriate, NRV; and a replacement pump knob.


    IMG_2032.jpeg

    IMG_2033.jpeg

    IMG_2034.jpeg

    IMG_2035.jpeg

    IMG_2037.jpeg

    Note that the pump knob is a replacement.
    IMG_2038.jpeg

    IMG_2024.jpeg

    IMG_2023.jpeg

    IMG_2025.jpeg

    IMG_2026.jpeg

    There is a small "0" in the centre of the tank bottom plate.
    IMG_2028.jpeg

    IMG_1999.jpeg


    The repaired burner from which the burner head (bell) could not be removed (see here).

    IMG_1555.jpeg


    The cast iron burner plate. Note that words "Optimus" and Sweden can be just made out in the casting.

    IMG_1879.jpeg

    IMG_1883.jpeg


    This is the replacement foot I made from brass tube. I also made a replacement stainless steel leg (see in this thread, here) and shown above in photos.

    IMG_2029.jpeg



    As it came

    It was a bit of a basket case.

    IMG_0354.jpeg



    Up and running


    IMG_2042.jpeg

    IMG_2045.jpeg

    IMG_2052.jpeg



    The saga of the broken NRV is told here:

    An unfortunate circumstance: Optimus NRV



    This is a great little stove!


    Cheers

    Tony

    [Washers and seals by The Fettlebox]
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2024
  2. mr optimus

    mr optimus United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2007
    Messages:
    3,276
    Location:
    Harlow Essex
    @Tony Press, A very nice early example of a Optimus 200, the quality of the lettering and engraving on the older examples of stove is so much nicer, a great example in original condition
     
  3. Sedgman

    Sedgman Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2014
    Messages:
    630
    Location:
    Victoria, Australia
    Wow; quite a bit of work in that one. Good end result. :thumbup::thumbup:
     
  4. tretrop

    tretrop Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2017
    Messages:
    317
    Location:
    Sweden
    I did get one recently also (seen here), really enjoy the 200 stove.
     
  5. Stanisław Grajewski

    Stanisław Grajewski Poland SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2021
    Messages:
    437
    Location:
    Luboń, Poland
    @Tony Press
    Great repair with splendid result, congratulations!
    What concerns the saga of the broken NRV, my similar ( almost identical ) story was told HERE
    It happens... :)
     
  6. Lighthouse

    Lighthouse Sweden Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2011
    Messages:
    354
    Location:
    Sweden
    Beautiful work, and excellently documented Tony!
     
  7. Blackdog

    Blackdog United Kingdom SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2009
    Messages:
    2,470
    Location:
    England
    Great to see the finished result burning well! These earlier examples with the 'Patent' script have real class!
     
  8. alcina

    alcina United Kingdom Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2024
    Messages:
    106
    Location:
    London, England
    Excellent job Tony. Great to see it up and running after your immense hard work. It's a really pretty little stove.
     
  9. hikerduane

    hikerduane Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Messages:
    10,066
    Location:
    Plumas County, CA
    Great fettling skills, thank you for sharing.
    Duane
     
  10. Andrew

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2016
    Messages:
    346
    Location:
    Port Elizabeth South Africa
    Good looking stove and well done on the fettle.