Optimus No. 00 Swedish Brass Paraffin Pressure Stove c.1969–1976

The Piece

Optimus No. 00 pressure stove
Optimus, Sweden
Brass paraffin/kerosene pressure stove with pump and three pot supports
“Made in Sweden” marking; includes multi-spanner (made in Sweden) and priming paste (as photographed)
c. 1969–1976

Primary Description

A classic Swedish brass pressure stove marked Optimus No. 00, designed to burn paraffin/kerosene via a pressurized fuel tank and vaporizing burner. The tank is pumped to create pressure, forcing fuel up to the burner where it vaporizes for a steady cooking flame.

Pressure stoves of this type are typically preheated (“primed”) with an alcohol-based fuel in the priming cup before opening the stove to run on paraffin. The “Made in Sweden” burner marking style is used by collectors as a dating clue for this model family, placing examples like this broadly in the late 1960s through mid-1970s.

Design & Construction

Brass tank with integrated pump, burner riser and wind/heat shield collar, and three pot supports for cookware. Your set also shows a multi-spanner for servicing and a tube of burning/priming paste (useful for preheating). Museum documentation of an Optimus 00 kit confirms this model’s typical accessory ecosystem (spanner, cleaning tools/needles, etc.).

History & Context

The Optimus 00 is one of the best-known European expedition/camp stoves: compact, rugged, and designed for reliable heat output in conditions where electricity and modern canisters weren’t part of the plan. Because Optimus did not consistently date-code these, collectors often rely on marking changes and component details for approximate dating.

Condition

Appears complete and intact in photos with visible wear consistent with use. Operational status (pressure hold, seals, jet condition) is not verified here and should be treated as untested unless you’ve fired it successfully.

Sources & References

→ Classic Camp Stoves forum discussion on Optimus 00 burner-marking date ranges
→ St Mary’s Heritage Centre collection entry describing an Optimus 00 stove and associated parts
→ Base-Camp lighting procedure for paraffin pressure stoves (priming + pressurizing basics)
→ Collector notes on dating Optimus 00 via model changes (no formal date codes)

Price

(untested): $165 (tested and runs smooth) $245

Rationale: Swedish-made Optimus 00 with tool/accessories shown

strong collector demand, but value depends heavily on whether it holds pressure and runs cleanly.