The Stove Collector

Hall Of Fame

In every type of collection hobby there are some items that are sought harder than others for their beauty, value or scarcity. Among stove collectors the brands below are well known and highly desired.

• Svea 123
• Coleman Solus
• Optimus 111 Hiker
• M-1950
• Borde Bombe
• Phoebus 625

Picture donated by Bo Ryman.

This little white gas burner was made in brass, came with a small pot as a top and could fit into a reasonably deep pocket. Copies of this one are still available from several brands. It has been copied multiple times; In WW2 the Wehrmacht carried a German copy (Juwel). When Svea was bought by Optimus they contiuned the 123, but added a cleansing pricker to the valve and called it the 123R. Obviously the older ones are more valuable as collectibles.

Picture donated by Jim & Terry Tradewell.

Brass tank. Brass pan support. Roarer or silent burner. Removable support rods. Butterfly fuel lid, marked 'Coleman' on one side and 'Solus - USA' on the other. Tank is marked 'COLEMAN - SOLUS - MADE IN USA'. Broad, very interesting legs of ornamental fashion. Meant to be for naval use.

These stoves go for good prices, either because they are prettier than the average American stove or because it's one of only a few American pressurised kerosene stoves.

Check out the feature page!

Actually this model isn't all that scarce. The 111 kerosene burner has been a favorite in many armies, including the Norwegian. The sturdy box and the simplicity of use has been important factors to its popularity, but also the high quality and dependability under field conditions counts in. Works well also under hard winter conditions. It's rather heavy for a single backpacker, but for a group of travelers the 111 is excellent. Simmers well, and can do so for two hours in a stretch without having the tank refilled.

This stove was used by American soldiers during World War 2, which means it was made in enormous quantities and spread all over the world within a few years. It was produced on license by several manufacturers: Coleman, Rogers, Wyott, Fiesta, SMP etc. Earlier, closely related models also used during WW2 were the M-1941 and the M-1942.

Picture donated by Robert Creighton.

Austrian stove. Chrome steel tank. This pipe-like device is fondly known as the 'Borde Bomb' for its peculiar shape. Possibly one of the strangest-looking stoves ever made. Stoves of the Borde brand go for high prices; eBay sales above $100 is common when they are for offer. A Japanese company makes licenced copies but they are even more expensive and not exported anywhere as far as I know.

Picture donated by Peter Priegl.

Check out the case study of the Phoebus 625.

Austrian stove. Round tin box. Interesting copper-colored tank. Exists in at least 3 versions. This stove was imported to the US in the 60's and achieved a reputation for high production quality and fuel efficiency. A Japanese company makes licenced copies but they are even more expensive and not exported anywhere as far as I know.