I just bought this stove at a yard sale and I am wondering if anyone knows what it's value may be. I was told it was a British Officers Field Stove used for making tea during the first World War It is copper lined with what appears to be silver. The underside of the lid is marked W Barrett and Sons 9 Old Bond Street W1, which is in London.
Hello Jvan and welcome. We do not make any valuations in the forum and as one member has mentioned in the past is that the value of the item is what one is willing to pay for such an item. As for its historical origins, perhaps someone in the forum may recognize it and give you a perspective of the era in which it was conceptualized/manufactured. Its a nice collector's piece. Ron
Jvan it is what you were told. It's value is what you paid and what someone is willing to pay you to take it off your hands. I must admit i like it and would like to have it. I'll not pay the kings ransom however. The silver lining of the copper is really tin which was used to prevent the copper from eroding away due to high acidic foods like tomatoes and such. For your information it's an alcohol (spirits) burner and must by it's condition be quite good. lance
I had the same outfit but traded it to a lad I know who collects WWI memorabilia. It is a civilian item - Barretts was a London gents outfitter or department store. A lot of soldiers, officers especially, bought their own items of personal kit from such stores. It could well be such an example.
Hi Justin It's a nice item and looks like its been looked after. The idea of it being issued to officers in the trenches is a bit of a romantic idea, thoughts of Blackadder goes forth spring to mind. For just "knocking up a wet" in the trenches seems a bit of a stretch, too many fiddly bits. My guess its a motorists set. Who knows, back during the great war i could see a young officer being given a set from his parents or wife to keep his spirits up as the bombs and bullets fly !!
