I bought this boxed Optimus 930 today, I've been waiting for the right one to come my way and today was the day. It's seen little to no use, slight dint in the top but otherwise perfect. I am very pleased with this little beauty, some of the box contents are still present as well. The packet of spares are in there, a little spanner, I'm missing the instructions and there's no mantles but the spirit can makes up for that. It seemed strange to me that it was marked Svea instead of Optimus, but I have seen another with the same can. Hope you enjoy the pics.
Beautyfull Matthew - one of many peoples favorites - me included. Its a nice, complete specimen with all the right stuff added Claus C
That's a good find Matthew. It's just something with small, bulgy glassed lanterns that appeals to me. Strange about the Svea can. It should really not have anything to do with an Optimus lantern. And you say you have seen another with it. Optimus was used by the military, so perhaps yours and the other comes from a surplus outlet? Just an idea. The military could mix stuff, so the Svea cans could perhaps have been combined with the Optimus 930 lanterns at some cases. As I said... just wild ideas here.
Optimus did take over the brand SVEA in 1962, sold it again in 1964 and bought it back in 1969. Maybe they somewhere during or after that time had a bunch of SVEA cans to get rid of - and put them in the 930 boxes?
Thanks Claus and Christer. Here's a Link to the other one I mention. The seller says the box was sealed so the parts should be original. I've also seen ones with the blue optimus marked can, I'd have liked one of those, but if the one I have is original then I'm happy.
The lot look origin and same state. I am a believer Jørgen. Nice Nice lamp Matthew or did I mentioned? Claus C
That's not easy with this lantern. This version of the 930 was made for 20 odd years from about 1960. It just has the 'feel' of a 60s one though. Can't say why.
When Optimus finally took over the brand, they continued to produce exactly SVEA stoves, for which your can seems to be made for (according to the text on it). And now the Sherlock Holmes comes in play... If your lantern was from 1969 there was no need to use the SVEA can, as it would be needed for the stoves. If, on the other hand, you lantern is from 1962/63, it makes sence that Optimus was trying to make use of what they just got from Sievert (whom they bought and which the brand SVEA came with). So my guess would be 1962/63, at latest 1964.
I'd be really interested to see some more facts around the 1962 purchase & 1964 sale as it's counter to anything I've read from the companies involved.
It's a synthesis of bits and pieces of information I found on the web - but I will try to track down the sources and then get back with more. --- Here is one small source (in Swedish) - it wasn't where I got it in the first place, so I keep looking...: http://digitaltmuseum.se/011022995555?count=70&pos=8&search_context=1&name=Lys%20og%20varme Another hint (in Swedish), pay attention to the text "1966 Bahco säljer Primus-delen av företaget till det av Svenska Esso ägda Sievert Apparater" - Sievert Apparater was what Optimus names the company after buying it in 1962: http://www.hembygd.se/essingeoarna/lilla-essingen-historik/primus-ett-svenskt-varldsnamn/ Which is supported by this source (in Dutch): http://max-sievert-branders2.webklik.nl/page/de-geschiedenis-van-max-sievert Here a French text, much like the Dutch one above: http://lampterophiliste.free.fr/Lampe%20souder/Max_Sievert/Historique%20Max%20Sievert.htm
I think there's some misinterpretation of the facts at some of those sources. I put some articles together over at CCS many years ago with the direct help of key sources, museum archivists, ex employees & knowledgeable collectors. Link to full Optimus article Link to full Svea article Link to full Primus article
That certainly looks interesting - but of course, both I and the other website owners had no chance to know this version of the truth, as it is protected behind requirements of membership. Whilst some lamp manufacturers are well described on the web the Swedish ones are mysteries - for all others than stove collectors, it seems Well, I appreciate the work you have done for making the history clear and will consider a membership of the stove site - to read the full articles.
There are no special requirements to be a member at Classic Camp Stoves. It's just like any other forum out there. You register, which takes a minute, et voila - You suddenly have access to a stunning amount of litterature; catalogues, instructions and also those articles. And the icing of the cake is that it all actually is free of costs. You'd be surprised how much info there is if you just took the time to read it all.
Yes, I did that now - so now I know how to spend the night... and the weekend... and the next many weekends, it seems
