I was privileged to recently spend a month at Scott Base, Antarctica. One of the highlights for me was to visit Scott's Hut, near McMurdo Station the US base. Of particular interest was seeing a Primus stove which was last used by Scott's crew over a century ago. The stove itself was covered with a heavy layer of grime, probably soot from burning seal blubber. Of course, I was not able to handle the stove but could take photos. Scott's Hut with McMurdo Station behind
You lucky, lucky bastige. I am so green with envy. Great photos by the way. I like the interesting legs on that Primus.
Pre-1911 but seem to be one of the earliest "Primus Arctic" inspired by the conversions made by Nansen.
@Brass monkey fantastic pictures what an opportunity to visit such an iconic place and great to have a member of this forum pay a visit. Get that stove working for gods sake !
Great post Mr Monkey, I have to say I do feel envious that you had a month in Antarctica. Cheers from Simon Foxxx (Christchurch)
Thanks for the comments everyone. It was an unexpected opportunity that came up for me. I was working with the university making and testing hot-water ice drilling equipment. We were there quite late in the season so couldn’t visit other historic huts but maybe I’ll get another chance yet. Perhaps I’ll be able to take one of my own stoves for testing sometime.
Nansen made different legs than usual ones and fitted them with "bullet proof" braces to prevent them from parting from tank - and the "easy change" burner fitting. The braces and burner fitting were used by Primus on the "Arctic stove" they started to make circa 1910 for polar expeditions but they had swiweling legs and a spare burner on the tank top somewhat like the reserve cap on later travel stoves. Most collapsible or camping three leggers inherited the leg braces and the quick fit burner.
