Hi folks!

Here is a rare Optimus No. 9 "Halmia" camp stove. 

These are marvels of engineering, with a timeless design that feels contemporary even today. They are widely regarded as the Holy Grail of stove collecting, and rarely come up for sale. This particular one is in very good condition, and has some unusual characteristics not seen on other examples.

These were produced in small numbers in the late 1930's and early 40's, and were sold as top of the line expedition stoves. It has a nickel plated brass tank and windscreen, with a nickel plated steel burner support. The nickel plating is in very good condition, and seems to be in better condition than most examples of this stove.

The end cap slides off to reveal the pump, and could be used as a cooking pot if desired (I do not suggest this, as you would probably damage the plating.) The clam-shell windscreen slides out from the tank and spreads to form a pot support. 

Oddly, this example has "Optimus" and "Made In Sweden" engraved on the tank. I have never seen this on any other Optimus No. 9. They are usually blank or have "Halmia" engraved in this space. This example also has a different regulator knob. Most have a red Bakelite knob. This knob is black, is very well made, and appears to be original to the stove. It has the Optimus globe logo engraved on the end cap, as seen on some other examples. 

The windscreen is bent causing a slight gap, but there is no damage to the hinge. I have not attempted to correct this because it's a very rare stove in great condition otherwise, and I don't want to accidentally damage the plating or anything. I have had it displayed with the windscreens open, and the gap is not noticeable this way.

There are no stress cracks on the tank, and I have test fired the stove a few times and it worked fine for me. You will probably need to replace the fuel seal if you want to use it regularly though.

It uses the same powerful burner as the Optimus 11, but with a longer fuel feed tube. Performance is indistinguishable between the two to me. This stove does not seem to have seen much use during its life, and it's primarily been a display piece for me. This is a kerosene stove. It was originally marketed as a multifuel stove, and though it could burn white gas, due to the design of the NRV, I do not suggest burning any fuel but kerosene in it.

The leather case is probably not original to the stove, but fits well and is good protection for it. I believe they originally had a canvas sack.

A round Prince lighter and a brass spirit tin for preheating fuel are included, and compliment the stove well.

This is a very rare and desirable stove. I know that I will never find one again. The only reason that I'm selling it is because I'm back in school for another degree (studying artificial intelligence and robotics), and the degree is more important to me.

Please do not message me with Buy It Now offers. I do not end auctions early. I'm sorry to have to put that disclaimer, but it happens a lot in my ebay listings. I am not interested in any trades.

This auction will likely create a lot of attention, but please do not message me with questions unless you are a serious bidder with a relevant question about the auction. There is plenty of information about these stoves elsewhere on the internet, and I'm very busy with school, and will not be able to answer every message. I will probably have to ignore a lot of messages, so please do not be offended if I don't respond. 

*** Please only message me if you have a serious question regarding the auction, and thank you for your understanding. ***

It will be packaged very carefully in a strong box with lots and lots of bubble wrap, and I always ship quickly. I have shipped many stoves all over the world for years, and will do everything that I can to ensure it arrives safely to you.

Please do not bid if you cannot afford your bid, and please send payment within a few days of auction end. I will ship the stove as soon as payment is received, and will send you the tracking number. Please let me know as soon as the stove arrives.

For international bidders, please make sure your PayPal address is correct. I need to be able to print the address label.

Thanks for looking, and I hope you enjoyed seeing this rare stove!