Post by Swampbuckster on Dec 9, 2016 21:52:37 GMT -5
Since the discovery and use of my first Jotul Woodstove, the original 118 model, I've always kept an eye out for other models of vintage Jotul Woodstoves. I've seen the 602 model installed in a kitchen in Ann Arbor, and have also came across a few of the Combifire Model #4s. In fact I probably could have gotten the last one I saw this fall pretty cheap or even free. The #4s are modeled after the head stone statues on Easter Island. I actually think they are a hideous design but unique none the less. All Jotuls have the distinct circular air intake discs so they are easy to spot. Last week I was doing a mouse inspection at a vacant home that had a lot of items inside. The man lived in Redford and was taking care of his mother there long term. I arrived to the home with a combination to the lock box and went inside and began my inspection. I went into the basement with just a flashlight inspecting and came across an old woodstove sitting there by itself in the middle of the basement. It looked rusty and beat, or so I thought as I quickly glanced over it. I saw the Jotul disc but thought not a whole lot more, thinking whatever, it's old and rusty. I sent over the mouse estimate to the guy and about a week and a half later he approved the work. I called him to let him know I got the approval and began explaining the process. He mentioned to me he was getting rid of everything in the home, fixing it up and putting it on the market. That's when the stove struck a note and I brought it up. I mentioned to him what the deal was with the old Jotul stove and he was happy to know I knew of them. They are a Norwegian Wood stove manufacturer and he was proud to say his last name and family was Norwegian. I let him know my interest in the stove and told him about the 118 model I currently had and how I found it inside of a garage in Ann Arbor. He laughed and said he was to get rid of the stove as well. I told him I would offer him $100 if all things panned out and the stove wasn't cracked or anything. Thursday I returned to execute the mouse work and had a co worker with me. I immediately went to the basement and turned on the fluorescent light above the stove. I began looking it over and quickly realized besides the surface rust, the stove had never been used!!!! The thing was brand freaking new! Long story shorter, I called him back, told him it was worth $100 and I saw no cracks or defaults. All the parts were there. The deal was done, I would mail him a check later that night. I loaded up the stove and found the numbers. Jotul NR 380. The 380 Lumberjack. A super rare Jotul model in perfect condition!!!! They are worth $800-$1,000!!!! My 118 is worth about that as well but is twice the stove! The stove is currently waiting in my garage for a sand blast job and paint. It then may sit idle for a few years until we put our master bedroom addition on our house and my wife agrees we will be installing it into our new room. It is a small stove with two stove top inserts to it. It will be more aesthetic than function but want it installed and will use it from time to time on ultra cold nights and other times. And some pictures of this ultra cool rare mint stove: (check out the scene on the cast plate sides!)
