Old Merrett 'self-cooker' (Haybox?). Any ideas about the age/value of this?

bargain_bagger

Had a loft clear-out at my family's 200+ year old holiday cottage.

Found this:


I've had a google and reckon it's some kind of haybox: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haybox
Can't find info on this brand 'Merrett'.
Anyone heard of it or got any ideas as to it's value??

MrsBartolozzi

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=PBH19180708.2.22.5&l=mi&e=

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I found this article from New Zealand 1918, noting a patent applied for this item. It could be pretty old!


You could also try searching using the phrase "fireless cooker" as it seems like a few recipe books on this type of cooking were around at the beginning of the 20th century.

http://www.journalofantiques.com/Nov/hearthnov01.htm

bargain_bagger

MrsBartolozzi wrote: »

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=PBH19180708.2.22.5&l=mi&e=

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I found this article from New Zealand 1918, noting a patent applied for this item. It could be pretty old!

That sounds like it could be it. It says patent applied for:

robmerrett

not quite sure where you're based but would love to get hold of it - i collect all things Merrett - 07779 289 791 - many thanks, Rob Merrett

bargain_bagger

robmerrett wrote: »

not quite sure where you're based but would love to get hold of it - i collect all things Merrett - 07779 289 791 - many thanks, Rob Merrett

Great to know there's some interest. Had a couple of PMs as well.
I'm in Glasgow.
I'm actually off to the cottage today for a wee holiday. I'm planning to list this, plus some other old objects that were in the loft, on ebay when I get back next weekend.
Also got an old oven-thing, a commode, an old baby bath-thing and a 'volcano' kettle. (The cottage never use to have electricity or plumbing or anything! Just 3 huge fireplaces and a nearby spring).
Gonna have to do some more research before I list.
I'll post on here when I'm listing them.

bargain_bagger

Any ideas about these objects:


Rusty old oven-thing (valor):


Commode (one panel has fallen off):


Bath+basin thingy:


Volcano kettle:


Sorry about sideways pics!

robmerrett

no problem - look forward to it - thanks, Rob

bargain_bagger

Sorry, still trying to find info on these items. I will list on ebay in the next few days. I'll post here when listed.

seashore321

Hi there, I had a volcano kettle and was going to car boot it but put it into auction and got £35 for it. The dealer that bought it then sold it for £65. Good luck to him I say as I was happy.

Apparently these are all the rage at the moment?

The thing is don't clean it. Just give a wipe down as cleaning it with modern stuff can scratch it and people like to see muck etc on it for age. Also list history of cottage etc for age purposes.

I have seen the merrett cooker before (will try and find page) a lot of the value is in the enamel pots that are with it as usually they are badly damaged or used long after the cooker is gone. I would guess that the enamel pots are worth about £20 each Minimum as the Japanese are buying these at the moemnt. Also it has its original liner which is another bonus as people use those in the garden for planters.

The basin and bath/clothes washer are lovely and also collectable for retro / re enactments. I have not seen any in such good condition for a while. I have sold one before to the BBC not as good as that and I got £50 for it several years ago. Not saying it is worth that now but the TV/film and museum people are always trawling ebay etc for such items or sometimes you can send a picture direct to them.

Good Luck.

robmerrett

no problem - just let me know when its up on ebay - thanks, rob

bargain_bagger

I've listed the haybox plus the other things today. (Need to add pics to a couple of things - will do tomorrow)
Here's a link to the items.