Optimus 300, 1940’s

Discussion in '300' started by presscall, Jun 25, 2026 at 11:20 PM.

  1. presscall

    presscall United Kingdom Subscriber

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    1940’s I guess but Nils @Nils Stephenson could throw more light (no pun intended) on the dating.

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    Your posts on 300’s have been very informative Nils, and drawing on your expertise I highlight certain features …

    … a pump knob that’s fully 25mm in diameter.

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    This arrangement for hood/inner/J-tube/ cap with two cheesehead screws.

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    Photo overlooked, but two-piece vapouriser.


    Filler cap/air screw.

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    Pricker needle inscribed ‘3’.

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    Jet nipple (poorly) stamped ‘3’.

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    Vapouriser inscription - Optimus Made in Sweden.

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    Valve’s 300cp inscription.

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    The control wheel made of a bakelite thermosetting plastic.

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    This layout for the Optimus 300 designation (dent is ‘patina’).

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    Now for things that set this apart for me as a lamp

    Looked at head-on, the two Optimus engraved logos are oval …

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    … but viewed from slightly above, as they would be when lighting up, they take on the familiar circular format.

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    Allso a ‘point of view’ thing, the filler cap air screw embossed ‘Optimus’ and ‘Stockholm’ are upside down at eye level …

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    … but are the right way up from a user perspective.

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    Nice touches I think. Aesthetics apart, functional refinement is not neglected, such as the locating pip and dimple to align the inlet for the jet nipple.

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    Visible too on the outside to leave no doubt about the correct orientation.

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    The Optimus came with a partially disintegrated mica globe. I may attempt a restoration … maybe!

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    Burner ceramic is unbranded, but made in France evidently.

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    John
     
  2. JEFF JOHNSON

    JEFF JOHNSON United Kingdom Subscriber

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    A grand old lantern and a well presented post.:thumbup::thumbup:
     

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