Objects Database

Sphinx Spirit Stove in original box

Accession Number

1189.2014.1

Object Name

Sphinx Spirit Stove in original box

Created

10/12/2014

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

10/12/2014

Brief Description

Sphinx Spirit stove and collapsible tripod in original box

Materials

brass, cardboard

Dimensions

Box 10.5(l) x 10.5(w0 x 5(d) cms

Number Of Objects

3

Inscription Description

On stove and on tripod legs" SHERWOODS LTD BIRMINGHAM ENGLISH MAKE"
On box "SPHINX BRASS SPIRIT STOVE WITH COLLAPSIBLE TRIPOD RAPID HEAT BOILS 1 PINT WATER IN 7 MINUTES"

Colour

gold

Maker

Sherwoods

Object Production Place

Birmingham, UK

Provenance

Isaac Sherwood Ltd. seem to have been making brass lamps and spirit stoves in Birmingham since, at least 1904, though we suspect the little Sphinx that we have here in the collection comes from a later era - probably around 1950/55.
Methylated spirit stoves were very popular with outdoor folk in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The more efficient paraffin pressure stove was invented in 1892 but took a while to become 'universal'- which it eventually did - and even then it was more expensive than a spirit stove. A Sphinx retailed for eight shillings and six pence 8/6d in the 1950's (42p). The spirit stove had a revival in the 1970/80's with the Trangia and while they are still fairly popular in 2014, the pressurised petrol or white fuel stoves are now the most used.
We are pleased with our little Sphinx which was kindly donated by friend of the SMHC, Rod Pashley.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Rod Pashley

Acquisition Date

10/12/2014

Condition Check Date

10/12/2014

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

10/12/2014

Go Back

Click to see larger view

Click image for enlarged view

Click to see larger view

Click image for enlarged view

Click to see larger view

Click image for enlarged view

Back to top