Ok, the wrapping paper's mine just to time-travel back to Christmas '71, but back then the present was opened, contents inspected and put away for 40 years. It must have been a cursory glance at the contents because the envelope with the red plastic keeper cap was sealed (until it reached me) and the original gas canister hasn't been used at all. The present-giver was considerate, explaining what the keeper-cap is for. My guess - male camper, owns a Grasshopper himself, buys one for married friends or relatives (the 'combined Xmas present' reference) aware that neither is into camping as yet - but with this brilliant new stove they surely must discover the joys of camping ... Gas cartridge is unused and cost 4 shillings and 3 pence, written 4/3 - Britain went over to decimal coinage in February 1971, so this would have been in the last batch of Christmas gifts purchased with the 'old' money. Britain goes decimal I know it's unused, with a net weight of 8 ounces (pre-metric back then too). With an aluminium canister weighing an ounce, the net weight is pretty much right on the button. To fire up the stove, the control spindle O-ring that had age-hardened had to be replaced. The only other seal is on the stove/gas cartridge screw connector and was fine. Ready to go. Going. Brew time, to celebrate (belatedly) a gift that's finally reached someone who'll make good use of it. John
Nice stove John but you're teasing me with the kettle. It looks like a Thomson & Ritchie but without the 'quick boil' holes. Regards, Terry
That model stove is what I bought to replace my Primus stoves when a young climber/hill walker, great stove, very good simmer, very frugal, many happy memories for me; I've got several
Alternatively in late 1971 the NUM balloted on a national strike which susequently started early January with miner's pickets (the infamous "Flying Pickets") targeting the stoppage of all fuel supplies. In February a state of emergncy was declared, the three day week started, as did the power outages. Possibly given in anticipation of this rather than idyllic days camping as there were lots of threats about the upcoming action in the lead up to Christmas '71? Cheers, Graham.
A good deduction about the companions, and well meaning too, as far as enticing someones interest in a new activity. Instead; perhaps it was a planned trip that went awry, like my PCT journey of 1989 , or someone went off to college, or given a puppy....The possibilities are endless. 8-[ Amazing glimpse into the past, thanks for sharing. Chef
