Hi all I have two questions ...for today ;-) 1/I own two Optimus 930 which have different red knobs I imagine these are from different periods ? 2/ where can i find the history of The brand Optimus I have done some researches but the result is poor have a good day Michel
The wheel on the left was introduced by Optimus in 1957. The one on the right was introduced shortly after, but I don't know when. 1957 was also the year that the 930 changed from the 350cp version to the 300cp version. You find 930s with various mixtures of 350cp and 300cp parts from this time, before they used up all their old stock.
thank you Nils So production years of this 930 are from 1957 to ....? 80's ? I thought the first year was around 1954 And what about Optimus history ? Michel
There is a third knob style. I serviced a 350cp 930 recently that had a knob like some older Optimus 300's:
When I bought one of my 930s it was missing its knob. I could only buy the large knob. So some of the ones with large knobs may be replacements. Terry
OK, a very short timeline of the 930. It started in 1954 as an economical model compared to the Optimus 200P. It was rated at 350cp but used the same burner dimensions (and parts) as the 200 (optimistic I would say ). There are two variations of the 350cp version, main difference is the alcohol cup. The 300cp version was introduced in 1957 with several changes from the 350cp. The main ones are alcohol cup, collar, wheel and the fixed burner mixing tube. Some time before or around 1960 the small wheel was introduced. Some time in the late 70s or early 80s a new fuel cap was introduced with two high pointy wings (timing is very speculative here). Also around this time the polished brass version was introduced (to save money). They went out of production some time in the 80s (maybe early 90s). That's as much as I know, so if anyone has any more specific info it would be greatly appreciated.
The 350cp I posted above has the inner hood as an integral part of the burner frame, not removable like on the 300cp ones.
The large wheel has a washer with two flat sides moulded into the plastic. That way it sits tight (ish) on the shaft without the need for a separate washer like the previous round wheel with four holes in the back that was used on the 350CP version of the 930. The small wheel should also have the same washer moulded into the plastic as the large wheel.
Ok so 2nd 930 I have is the 350cp based on your feedback. Is this knob from Fogas the correct one for this?
That certainly looks like a 350CP collar, base plate and spirit cup from the first variation. What does it say on the tank? That is not the right wheel. They don't have just the wheel anymore at Fogas but it is the same as the one on the complete assembly with part number 114. You can also see an example of it on this lamp in the gallery, even though it is the second variation of the 350CP.
Ok so the spirit cup is actually correct? I thought it was from another lantern and just added because none else were available. I just used a little 0000 steel wool. It does say 350 om the tank. Ok so I could buy the 114 and get the correct wheel - they just dont sell the wheel alone anymore? If correct I will consider this. Are the 1st version 930 rare?
I wouldn't say rare, but they are not that common. Any of the 350CP versions are nice to find as they were only produced for three years. You have to remember that the original intention of the 930 model was to have a cheaper lantern in the line up. As such, many of the original lanterns were used well and probably thrown out. Today they are probably one of the most desirable lanterns from Optimus as the design is quite appealing.
I agree Nils. They are very nice looking. Got the first one of mine restored a few days ago and it Burns nice and bright :-)
