Objects Database

Optimus 22 double burner stove

Accession Number

1140.2014.1

Object Name

Optimus 22 double burner stove

Created

08/07/2014

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

08/07/2014

Brief Description

A double burner Optimus 22 stove from the 1950's

Materials

metal

Dimensions

37(l) x 19(w) x 10(d) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

On box" OPTIMUS MADE IN SWEDEN 22" and a globe with OPTIMUS written inside.

Colour

green box

Maker

Optimus

Object Production Place

Sweden

Object Production Date

1950's

Provenance

Optimus began life in 1899 at a place called Kungsholmen in Sweden, initially to market their brand of stoves and blow lamps. Like so many of these companies, they have gone through various chameleon like changes over the years, in an attempt to stay ahead of an ever changing market. Ownership passed between various holding companies during the late 1900's until the company ceased to exist as such in 1991.
Fortunately for the collector, lots of Optimus stoves remain from their heyday, and dating from the 1950's this type 22 is one of them. In the days before electricity was widely available, paraffin stoves like this one were aimed at the domestic market, with other, lightweight ones specifically designed for the outdoors.
Optimus seemed to have aimed this type of stove at the expedition market, for use at base camps in the Himalayas for example.
There was also a big military market and we think this one was used by the Swedish Army since Mick Tighe acquired it whilst on a trip to Sweden. It was in a very bad state of repair and has been restored to almost new condition, though we used a can of spray paint designed for cars ---- think we've got the colour pretty close to the original and the whole thing looks great.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Mick Tighe

Acquisition Date

08/07/2014

Condition Check Date

08/07/2014

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

08/07/2014

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