I'm bidding on one now on Ebay but I want to make sure I don't over pay (and we all know how easy that is on Ebay don't we?) I was thinking of paying no more than $70.00 including the shipping for it. What do the more experienced among you think?
I hope you don't pay $70.00 for a regular run-of-the-mill 123. They are getting close to that for perfect ones with all the bits - cleaning needle, cup, cup handle, windscreen, stuff sack. I've seen most go for about $50 to $60 complete, but there are those that go for more if they have the instructions, box and are little used. The older generation ones go for a lot more. You should be able to get one for what you have available to pay. sam
i could have kicked myself a year or so ago when i passed up a local CL ad selling three 123s for less than $50... keep checking locally - you never know when one will turn up - in the interim, enjoy the stoves you do have... good luck on your quest!
"Gold is where you find it"...they say. I bought a box full of boy scout stuff sometime back that included a 123r. Grand total of $10 and the fellow was really trying to just give it to me. Best, Bob
Good price? For the seller certainly. Be patient. If you are happy with a 123R, you should be able to get it for less (especially if it needs a little fixing -- more fun, IMO). If you are looking for an older Sievert 123 with engraving, etc., you will pay a premium on Ebay.
Thanks for the advice guys! I've put a bid on one on Ebay but I won't go any higher than 40 bucks on it. Besides, despite the fact that many of them say "rare" in the title, there seems to be a never ending supply of em!
Blacksmith: I follow 123s regularly. Most sell in the $30 to 40 USD range, although the complete, pristine ones are getting pricy. You don't need the original cup or handle, buy a GSI 1 pint /1/2 liter cup ($10). It fits, has a built in handle and is much more useful. That kit and an Optimus Heat Exchanger 1 liter pot is an excellent cook kit. Paul
I've purchased quite a few on eBay, including (2) Sievert model 123's - one for $58 and one for $68. I've won regular 123's for as low as $25 and newer 123r's for as low as $40. Look for a real tarnished one - they are easy to clean/polish and if they are dirty they sell a lot cheaper. I have noticed, however, that these stoves are now fetching higher bids and there seems to not be as many listed as there once was. A GSI Glacier Stainless Steel Nalgene Bottle Cup fits perfectly on the 123's and has attached folding handles. At $10 it's a great substitute for a missing cup.
I always put in lowball bids on stuff like this, unless it is that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which it never is. By "lowball" I don't mean insultingly low, just "down around the bottom of the range this item seems to sell for." This means that I have to watch similar items for a while before bidding on one, to get a feel for the range. Patience is the name of the game with Ebay. I've gotten some real treasures without spending much mmoney, by losing over and over again until that lucky day when my lowball bid wins.
May I offer a countervailing view? IMO this is a valuation in another name The 123 will be worth what the purchaser and the buyer etc etc. Just musing on a Sunday ..
Try googling 123r you might be suprised at what comes up for prices on new ones. Thats if you don't mind one made in the far east, Tiawan I believe. I had one and used it well. You will certainly find a 123r for a lot less than the old max Sievert 123. If you still opt for used, shoot for an older 123. I'v had both and I think the 123 simmers better than a 123r. By the way the 123 is my favorite pack stove. They also fit perfectly into the snow peak 900 mil pot, And that makes a realy nice combo. Have fun Rick
The value is what you have to pay for it. On a week that 1 123 comes up and 20 people want it it will sell for thousands but if there is 20 on there and you are the only one looking you might get it for a dollar
Look at completed ebay auctions and see what final prices were. You can see a range and gauge where you need to be to win.
