I think you are right. I'm wondering if the "R" is the self cleaning identifier. However, my old one (downward angled valve) doesn't say 123 on it. Nicely engraved "Svea" and "Made in Sweden" is there. Somewhere I've got a printed history of these things. Looked for it online yesterday and couldn't find it.

Your Sigg kit is pretty rare. There's a version of it for sale on Ebay right now.

What's really 'cool' is to use some 'Tarn-X' on them and keep them proudly displayed! They look like nautical hardware, all shiny and brassy.

A&H is the place I referenced in an earlier post. When I reconditioned my stoves, the nice lady there knew every last detail and was a great help. I've now got a stash of parts that should keep these stoves going for a couple more generations.

For car camping, these old things are priceless....and as you say, idiot proof. I've backpacked them before but my Nova took over a few year ago when I need big heat and cookfires aren't allowed. These days I do everything possible NOT to need 'big heat'. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />