AUSTRALIA'S ORIGINAL AND BEST CAMP OVEN AND OUTDOOR COOKING CAMPING AND LIFESTYLE FORUM

Feb 11^th, 2013 at 9:35pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Following on from "Packing a camp oven".

This is the only image I have at this point. What can i say, good help is hard to find; I was expecting more than these Grin

. No, he's a good bloke who is making arrangements for safe transport.

Back on track... do these images make it easy for someone to identify?

P1000164__Small_.jpg (47 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #1 - Feb 11^th, 2013 at 9:35pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

other one

P1000163__Small_.jpg (59 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #2 - Feb 11^th, 2013 at 9:48pm

Derek Offline
COCIA Owner
The "Camp Oven Cook"
Joined: Nov 10^th, 2003 at 2:00pm
Last online: Today at 1:06pm

Gender:
Mood:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 19014

Not for me unfortunately

Retired
Camp Oven Cook

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #3 - Feb 12^th, 2013 at 7:10pm

Saltbush Bill Offline
COCIA Diamond Member
"WANTED 13 inch Metters
camp oven"
Joined: Dec 6^th, 2008 at 4:57pm
Last online: May 24^th, 2026 at 4:28pm

Gender:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 2849

At a rough guess Id say it is an Albatross Oven, I posted an example in the history section ages ago. Last one I saw ( the example shown) was listed on Ebay some years ago and was in WA at the time of sale.
Check out the following link and more will be revealed.
http://www.aussiecampovenforum.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1245322472
SBB

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #4 - Feb 12^th, 2013 at 8:30pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

You're on to it Salty, thanks.
Here is a bit more discussion on this marque http://www.aussiecampovenforum.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1236249460

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #5 - Feb 15^th, 2013 at 2:08pm

Nelson Offline
COCIA Platinum Member
I Love COCIA
Joined: Apr 18^th, 2008 at 7:48pm
Last online: May 11^th, 2024 at 9:11pm

Gender:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 697

Nice oven grump, where did you find it??? Take some photos once you have cleaned it up well done

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #6 - Feb 15^th, 2013 at 3:55pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Sure will Nelson. I am hoping that any inside corrosion hasn't gone too deep.
My mate is cutting up an old dense foam mattress for insulation(10cm thick) and double boxing it.

Arms, legs and fingers crossed

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #7 - Feb 19^th, 2013 at 7:47pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

I had this this image of the interior emailed to me today.
You can see where the surface has been scratched to see what lies beneath the oxide.

I am hopeful that it will clean up well

inside_13__Albatrosss_a.jpg (99 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #8 - Feb 20^th, 2013 at 7:01pm

Saltbush Bill Offline
COCIA Diamond Member
"WANTED 13 inch Metters
camp oven"
Joined: Dec 6^th, 2008 at 4:57pm
Last online: May 24^th, 2026 at 4:28pm

Gender:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 2849

Grump the link you posted takes me to a thread regarding the same oven, as i said it was a while back that it was on ebay, posts from that thread date its sale at around about Mar 5th, 2009.
SBB

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #9 - Feb 20^th, 2013 at 8:08pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Hi Salty.
that is correct and it is the only reference that I can find in respect of this marque. I assure you, I have been looking hard with the little info I have......
Certainly a long time between discoveries; I wonder how many exist??

I have also posted on the Yankee site but I don't hold out much hope there as they appear to mainly focus on their own stuff.. and why wouldn't you when you had access to the volume that they have available

Maybe there are more clues to be found when it arrives. I will take more before/after images of it then.
Albatross would suggest a foundry that supplied or was located close to shipping would seem likely. Ha ha, back in the day that was probably all of them supplying the steam industry

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #10 - Feb 28^th, 2013 at 5:33pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

It arrived today.

Photo0074__Large_.jpg (90 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #11 - Feb 28^th, 2013 at 5:35pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Tomorrow it will be in the electro and we shall see what comes of that

IMG_6791__Large_.jpg (127 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #12 - Feb 28^th, 2013 at 5:38pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

The lid is a nice close fit as well

IMG_6795__Large_.jpg (126 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #13 - Feb 28^th, 2013 at 5:38pm

Derek Offline
COCIA Owner
The "Camp Oven Cook"
Joined: Nov 10^th, 2003 at 2:00pm
Last online: Today at 1:06pm

Gender:
Mood:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 19014

Well done. Now to clean and season. Can't wait for those photos.

Retired
Camp Oven Cook

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #14 - Feb 28^th, 2013 at 6:06pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Me too Derek. I am looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.

Here is one more....... from the arse end

IMG_6798__Large_.jpg (108 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #15 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:15am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

After the first electrolysis and to say that I am pleased is a bit of an understatement.

IMG_6804__Large_.jpg (125 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #16 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:16am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

IMG_6805__Large_.jpg (169 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #17 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:17am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

The arse end

IMG_6806__Large_.jpg (118 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #18 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:22am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

I flogged the dogs' water bowl to use as the internal anode, bridged to the outside anode. Its pulling close to 20 amps so I'll recheck it in an hour and see if the supply isn't getting too warm.

IMG_6809__Large_.jpg (112 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #19 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:23am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Oh yeah, here is the lid

IMG_6807__Large_.jpg (179 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #20 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:36am

Chally Offline
COCIA Legend
I Love COCIA
Joined: Mar 15^th, 2012 at 2:26pm
Last online: Yesterday at 4:33pm

Gender:
Posts: 3707

That is amazing how well that has come up already!!! Shocked

Jeff

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #21 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:37am

Nelson Offline
COCIA Platinum Member
I Love COCIA
Joined: Apr 18^th, 2008 at 7:48pm
Last online: May 11^th, 2024 at 9:11pm

Gender:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 697

Looking very nice mate, you are doing a great job, keep the photos coming

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #22 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 9:39am

Derek Offline
COCIA Owner
The "Camp Oven Cook"
Joined: Nov 10^th, 2003 at 2:00pm
Last online: Today at 1:06pm

Gender:
Mood:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 19014

Looking good

Retired
Camp Oven Cook

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #23 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 10:24am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

I'm surprised too Jeff. If you can recall this was being used as a planter; and don't a lot end up there? Roll Eyes

maybe it is a blessing though.
When I bought it off the image I took the punt that being as the plants were succulents they would not have had too much watering and the growing medium would be dryish for the most of the time and maybe, just maybe there wasn't any serious rust.
The punt appears to have paid off.

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #24 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 10:32am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Just checked the amps and they have settled to 15 which the set up can tolerate all day long.
The clear spot in the bath is where the hydrogen bubbles are rising. That tells me most of the work is happening on the interior.

The loose wire to the bottom of the image is attached to the lid. I had to disconnect it as together, they were drawing way too many amps.
I will give it about 4+ more hours and that should have it sorted; then I can redo the lid and a couple of other small items.

IMG_6812__Large_.jpg (96 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #25 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 1:32pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

The next images are from the second electro treatment

IMG_6815__Medium_.jpg (115 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #26 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 1:33pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

close-up of the interior base

IMG_6816__Medium_.jpg (91 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #27 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 1:35pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

This is an example of what is on the interior wall.
Pretty damn good for a flower pot Grin

IMG_6818__Medium_.jpg (87 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #28 - Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 1:42pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Hey Derek, check out the base.. no gate mark Shocked

Nice fine side walls and a heavier base. The corner from base to sidewall has a nice radius and the legs are attached cleanly.

Does anyone recognise that style of leg join? It looks 'modern' to my eye. I say that, not from experience , more from instinct.

Surely there must be more than two examples of the Albatross kicking about??

IMG_6822__Medium_.jpg (78 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #29 - Mar 3^rd, 2013 at 3:03pm

Chally Offline
COCIA Legend
I Love COCIA
Joined: Mar 15^th, 2012 at 2:26pm
Last online: Yesterday at 4:33pm

Gender:
Posts: 3707

That is amazing how it cleaned up. Shocked

grump wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2013 at 1:42pm:

Hey Derek, check out the base.. no gate mark

Where would they have poured from then?

Jeff

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #30 - Mar 4^th, 2013 at 7:15am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Quote:

Where would they have poured from then? Jeff

I have had a quick look but will check again today.
Perhaps it was poured from the lip which would suggest later manufacture.
Do we know when that method of pouring was first instituted?
I spoke with the person I purchased it off. They have owned it for some 10 years. Before that it was given to them by an elderly person from Greymouth (South Island NZ) who previously had it was passed on to him by his Mother. Perhaps she had inherited it also, but who knows for sure.

So maybe its at least 70-90 years old; maybe more???

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #31 - Mar 4^th, 2013 at 8:03pm

Chally Offline
COCIA Legend
I Love COCIA
Joined: Mar 15^th, 2012 at 2:26pm
Last online: Yesterday at 4:33pm

Gender:
Posts: 3707

Thanks for the update Grump. I am interested in where it was poured from and when that method started.

It's great when you can find out some history that goes with an oven I reckon.

Jeff

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #32 - Mar 4^th, 2013 at 8:33pm

Derek Offline
COCIA Owner
The "Camp Oven Cook"
Joined: Nov 10^th, 2003 at 2:00pm
Last online: Today at 1:06pm

Gender:
Mood:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 19014

Spent a bit of time over the last couple of days trying to research the Albatross Camp Oven or Dutch Oven but have come up blank. Only reference to it that I can find all refer back here to the forum and old eBay links where there has been the odd one over the years.

Retired
Camp Oven Cook

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #33 - Mar 10^th, 2013 at 6:29am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Well, I cannot see any real evidence of having been bottom poured. The sidewall section is real fine, maybe 3-3.5mm and the base is quite heavier as you would expect. The lid is a nice neat fit with some small allowance for side movement; there is no wobble at all.
I look at it and think on these features and it occurs to me that the artisans who were involved were a cut above and well worthy of high praise for their skills and the extra attention that has been exercised in their production ...
All in all, these are fine cast items IMO.

Do we have any contact with cast iron forums located in the old country?? I have looked and cannot see anything..
Or which historical society/museum would be best to approach?

Thanks for your efforts Derek. Would you list here or send any relevant links to me that you have come upon?

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #34 - Mar 10^th, 2013 at 8:46am

Derek Offline
COCIA Owner
The "Camp Oven Cook"
Joined: Nov 10^th, 2003 at 2:00pm
Last online: Today at 1:06pm

Gender:
Mood:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 19014

That is the problem. There is very little on the Internet about these things. If you read through the History section above this there are some links but not a lot unfortunately.

Retired
Camp Oven Cook

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #35 - Mar 19^th, 2013 at 7:43am

Stump Jump Offline
COCIA Platinum Member
I love to cook with camp
ovens
Joined: Jan 8^th, 2009 at 7:58am
Last online: Sep 7^th, 2016 at 8:10pm

Gender:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 987

Here's a link to a 12/9/1850 advertisement in the SA Register newspaper advertising Albatross of Liverpool pots and camp ovens.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/38439357

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #36 - Jun 14^th, 2013 at 6:05am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Thanks a heap for your research Stump. Did you stumble upon that gem of information or were you seeking it out?
The mind wonders just how old this CO is; going by that newspaper listing, potentially over 150 years Cool

Tying the Albatross foundry to Liverpool is a definite bonus and I am hoping will lead to further illumination on these pieces.

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #37 - Jun 14^th, 2013 at 9:55pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Stump, I have thought on and can recall coming upon reference to a ship by the name "Albatross". There is every likelihood that is what the Albatross reference in that article is about- the ship, and not the camp oven???

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #38 - Jun 14^th, 2013 at 10:30pm

Fryer_man Offline
COCIA Silver Member
i love Camp Oven CookIng
Anywhere!
Joined: May 10^th, 2013 at 9:31pm
Last online: Feb 26^th, 2016 at 11:07am

Gender:
Posts: 59

I think you are right grump,

It lists all kinds of goods, not just camp ovens.

Chris

Albatross.jpg (29 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #39 - Jul 3^rd, 2013 at 5:25am

Duncan MacDuff Offline
COCIA Gold Member
I Love COCIA
Joined: May 8^th, 2008 at 3:32am
Last online: Mar 14^th, 2018 at 5:16am

Gender:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 249

From my research I would date this oven to 1875 to 1900.

"Pieces of cast iron cookware made around 1875 to the present time have the iron enter the mold from the sides (usually in two places, sometimes opposite one another), which creates a smooth bottom. Current techniques have the iron coming in from the side, so look for one or more places on the side of the iron with heavy grinding marks--that is where the iron entered the mold. The grinding was done to get rid of the excess metal from the pour."
"The earliest pieces (1875 to 1900) were thinner than those produced later. This thinness led to a high number of pieces that cracked or warped during use. Pieces produced during this time also had fewer finishing steps on the production line, and many of the gem pans have a slightly more primitive appearance."

Best,
Duncan

In Service,
Duncan

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #40 - Dec 20^th, 2013 at 7:05pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Thank you for that information Duncan. Any and everything that provides a clue our interest and obsession (particularly to this piece) is greatly appreciated

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #41 - Dec 25^th, 2014 at 6:46pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

I found this while searching out info on our old mate 'Matthew Swain'
It makes reference to a trademark for the name "Albatross'. So could this be it?
If it is, then the Albatross is not as old as I might have imagined unless the name had been in use without legal protection?

http://uk.trademarkdirect.co.uk/albatross-426668

Mention of Swain of the Oldham-Road here

http://home.clara.net/brianp/namesqz.html

Also

http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Matthew_Swain

Matthew Swain of Railway Foundry, Newton Heath, Manchester, 10. Telephone: Collyhurst 2527 (Manchester). Telegraphic Address: "Diamclub", Manchester"

1937 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Cast iron Holloware (Tinned, Enamelled and Rustless), Combination Grates, Mantels, Adaptable and Independent Fires, Mantel Registers, Furnace Pans, Domestic and Builders' Castings, Negro Pots, Rice Bowls and other Native Cooking Utensils. (Stand No. A.502)

1960 Patent - Improvements in or relating to trays.

1964 Patent - A laminated panel.

The best bit is an image of the Swain Foundry sourced from
The Manchester Local Image Collection

Matthew_Swain_Foundry_image____webmedia_php.jpg (126 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #42 - Dec 26^th, 2014 at 9:44pm

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

Take a look at these two images.
The first is the Swain base, the second is the base of the Albatross.
In both images the design of the legs, specifically how they attach, is such that I believe it goes a long way to confirming that The Matthew Swain Foundry produced the 'Albatross'.

I haven't seen any other legs that attach in such a clean way.
If anyone has seen others that use this pattern, and will blow or confirm this theory, please post.

Swain_5_001.JPG (236 KB | )

IMG_6806_s.jpg (58 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #43 - Dec 27^th, 2014 at 7:15am

grump Offline
COCIA Gold Member
Life is good; or not.
Joined: Mar 21^st, 2011 at 6:11pm
Last online: Jun 24^th, 2017 at 7:27am

Posts: 253

I did some more digging and came upon Nelsons thread about a Swain lid in the classifieds.
Do you still have it Nelson?

http://www.aussiecampovenforum.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1345539400/3#3

That identifier on the lid is the same pattern as my 'Albatross', a full circle with an attached semi circle with the pot size; couple that with the trademark reference and other links above and I believe that we have the definitive(?) answer.
The 'Albatross' is a product of the Swain Foundry.

In my image files I came upon another 'Albatross' that was sold in the US. Check out those legs....

__57_3a.jpg (175 KB | )

__57_4.JPG (195 KB | )

__57_002.JPG (180 KB | )

__57_2.JPG (227 KB | )

Back to top

IP Logged

Reply #44 - Aug 2^nd, 2025 at 8:42pm

Scott P Offline
COCIA New Member
We Love COCIA
Joined: Aug 2^nd, 2025 at 8:26pm
Last online: Sep 15^th, 2025 at 4:31am

Gender:
Zodiac sign:
Posts: 1

Hi All,

Lots of good info. Link to Albatross trademark is dead. I think the effort to associate any unmarked piece to Swain may be a bit of a reach. Not everything made long ago has surfaced so without a name it is a best guess scenario as whether marked pieces sharing attributes are Swain. Patterns or attributes were copied, sold off or purchased through Bankruptcy and used by another Company. Unmarked is unknown. There is verifiable evidence that certain wares had the Diamond Club and others with the Albatross. Can't be certain to say exclusively that Swain made the unmarked pieces.

A Catalogue or Pattern Book might show or have some details that could assist in answering these questions.

Back to top

IP Logged

	am pm	Welcome, Guest. If this is your first visit to COCIA, be sure to check out the many references on the Help Board. You will have to Login or Register, before you can post. Click the register TAB below to proceed or to start viewing messages, simply select the Board that you want to visit.