Hello all! Today I adopted an Optimus 45 and I'm pleased to add it to the library. Any clue on date would be appreciated. Bought it from the grandson of the original owner who immigrated from Sweden. He wasn't sure if he brought the stove with him, or bought it in the states. It looks like one leg was repaired and sits a a slightly jaunty angle. The other two legs are beginning to crack, but stable. All the gaskets are rock hard and it smells like there was old fuel in it. Still, beautiful to my eyes. I've been following other 45 restorations on the site and would love to see this running. I also just like the look of it, so wouldn't hate just having it around to look at. Here's some initial pictures "as found."
Congratulations on adopting a fine stove. First go to the Fettlebox link and purchase a rebuild kit along with a kit for the NRV, a new pump leather and jet. While you are waiting for your order to arrive you will have to purchase or make a NRV wrench along with a (nipple, or jet) wrench . Now its time for some research, go into the stove reference gallery, lots of info there to help date your stove. These are fantastic stoves and will serve you well if you take care of it.
Wow such a niice stove, that model is most attractive and deserving of your full attention. Looking foward to a flame shot.
Hi @Roustabout Interesting stove. Please tell me what the marking on the base of the tank is? I will than be able to give you as estimate of the manufacturing date. Re-soldering stove legs: fixing a leg Best Regards, Kerophile.
Thanks Gents! I was really surprised to find one in my local area. @Geoff Thank you, I agree. I have been admiring them and enjoy the look. Flame shots to come! @CW NRV tools are out of stock right now. Bummer! I was able to find a pump leather and cap gasket in my stove kit. It pumps and hisses well. That's a start at least. @kerofile. Oops. Meant to include that. Here you go. Thanks for the info about soldering legs. Beautiful work, and so much information here. Here's the best shot I could get of the stamp
Hi @Roustabout thanks for the photograph of markings on the base of the tank. It confirms that the stove was made prior to the formation of the Primus Trading Co. in 1962 as tanks much later than this would have been marked simply “Made in Sweden” The burner top of your stove is also pre-PTC as it is marked Optimus Sweden. Your stove has a “Sunken” filler tube to ensure that the tank cannot be over-filled when adding fuel. This feature was adopted by Optimus in 1957/8, so your stove must have been made after this date. The air-release screw is mounted on the side of the filler up-stand and this ties in with the Introduction of the sunken filler in 1957/8. I conclude that you stove was made between 1957 and the early 1960s. Dating Clues for Optimus No.45 and 48 stoves. Best Regards, Kerophile.
Here is a link to another Optimus No.45 from the same time period, around 1960. You can compare the main features with your example. Apart from the air release on mine being on the top of the filler-cap rather than the side, they seem very similar. Optimus No.45 from C. 1960. Best Regards, Kerophile.
My first stove, and my only keroburner for 40 years, was an Optimus 45, given to me as a Christmas or birthday present at about 13. It was a thing unknown in my circles, and a mark of distinction! The memory of that stove brought me to CCS. A sentimental favorite and a great stove!
@kerophile Thank you for the great information! And the good story. With the new leather cup and tank gasket, she fired right up and happily roared away. The flame can have some yellow streaks at times. Still exciting how well it runs! I can understand the appeal of the kerosene burners. They have a very interesting and comforting sound when running. First boil-up in the shop!:
