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Guidwife portable range

The provocatively name ‘Guidwife’ portable range went under more make overs throughout its long production run than any other range. It came in every size and shape and its styling was constantly reworked at the Caledonian Stove and Iron Works where it was conceived in the late 19th century.

Due to its adaptability and solid construction it came to be used in a variety of applications and found favour with the builders and boatman of working narrow boats where they could often be found in the back cabins of buttys.

There are many Guidwife ranges still in existence today but they are not so common as the ‘Belle Portable’. They do not always carry the ‘Guidwife’ logo but instead have the name and address of the ironmonger who supplied the range cast into their flue box.