Hi All I've just acquired what looks like an copper camping stove from a member of my family who doesn't know its history. It's currently just sat on a shelf but I'd like to know some more about it, where is comes from, its particular use and when it was made. I couldn't find a similar model by browsing this site. The stove has a screw by which the burner if raised and lowered, and is stamped BTE S.G.D.M G.M on the back (French copyright mark?). Also has a plaque on the from reading "Caution - Important. Be sure that the safety wire is in its place on the burner before lighting rechaud. M.L&C - PARIS" I've given it a quick clean and attached some pics, thanks for looking.
Hi, this is a relatively common type of French domestic wick stove which is designed to burn alcohol. They are known as Pigeon-type stoves after the original? manufacturer and were made over a long period from the end of the 19 Century into the first decades of the 20th Century. As a safety feature, the fuel reservoir is generally filled with absorbent felt which prevents burning liquid spreading rapidly if the lit stove is knocked over. If you look in the French section of the Stove Gallery there are Pigeon and Hirondelle examples of similar stoves: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/11263 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Hi everybody ! Nice stove, Mike ! I love the legs !! A word about the BTE (Breveté - patented) SGDG "Sans Garanti Du Gouvernement". It was a patent system operative from 1844 to 1969. It provided that patents were granted without prior examination, at the risk of applicants, and was without warranty of reality, novelty or merits of the invention, either the fidelity or accuracy of description.
I could hardly top the supeb info you have gotten here but suspect these were mainly fueled with methelated spirits and used in French cuisine as chafing dish warmers or for soup terrines.
I've the same stove as part of a British-retailed picnic set, comprising the French stove and a British-made kettle Picnic set One just like it (the stove, not the picnic set or kettle) went without a bidder on ebay just recently. John
Wow thanks guys, that is fantastic information, i only just stumbled across this forum today, its great to find such a wealth of enthusiasm and information John your right its identical, only the handle on mine seems to be welded on, looks like it previously had a knock Its a very nice set you have
sadly decided to sell the stove, moving house and little room in the new pokey london flat! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280982448664#ht_500wt_1156 listed on ebay but don't expect to fetch much for it, would rather it go to a good home, so if anyone is interested please email me (mike @ procomm.org.uk)
Hi All, I can't believe this. Two weeks ago I bought an identical stove at a car boot sale near Aberdeen. I had identified that it was French but now, thanks to the CCS I can add some meat to the bone. My stove differs slightly in that it has a brass collar around the wick stem. I now look forward to filling this stove with meths (I hope this is OK?) and using it to keep some food warm. I have attached thee piccies for reference. PS. I paid £5.00 for my one.
