Original Items: Only One Group Available. If you have ever done real backpacking and camping, this is doubtlessly an item that you are familiar with. The American Gas Machine Company, Inc. was founded in 1896 by Thomas H. Yort and Hans C. Hanson in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Its industry was appliances and its headquarters remained in Albert Lea, Minnesota. In 1950 the company was acquired by Queen Stove Works, Inc. who itself was acquired by the King-Seeley Corporation in 1957.

This is a standard model of the time, measuring about 8 1/2 inches tall, and 4 inches across. It is designed to run off gasoline, either leaded or more preferably white, which did not have any additives. The stoves had no need of the lubricating properties of leaded gas, and it was also safer for the soldiers. The stove features fold out feet on the bottom and fold out burner supports on the top to increase the stability.

The side of the brass fuel tank is marked with the maker and date information:

U.S.
1941
AMERICAN

This indicates that it was definitely a military issued stove, and not a civilian version. The stove looks to be in good condition, and all parts seem to be present. We tested the pump and we were not able to get some compression, though we do not know if the seals are still holding well. The fuel cap opens, the fuel valve turns, and the burner adjustment also still moves, though we have not checked to see if the needle is still present and intact. It still has the spare parts tube, although we couldn’t remove it to check for contents.

The original aluminum bayonet style "F" canister is in good service used condition, showing the expected wear on the exterior, with some gasoline varnish on the inside from the fuel. It still locks closed, but does not appear to be marked.

A lovely set ready for further research and display.