The Sly Fox
2013-04-16 15:49:33
Hi all,
Since you are a knowledgeable bunch, I require some help ...
I would like to know, if possible, the original clues and GRs for the following boxes. I have had them in my possesion for a few years now and would really like to resite them on the moors. This is something I have been meaning to do for quite some time but never gor round to doing. The boxes are:
No.08 Watern Oke
No.15 Yealm Head
No.16 Avon Head
No.17 Potato Cave
No.23 Crow Tor No.1
No.?? Belstone (No.28 maybe)
No.105 Oke Tor
In an ideal world I would like to site these in their original spot. If not, as close as possible. Thank you.
kind regards,
Rob
Sowerby Streaker
2013-04-16 16:58:20
Belstone Tor box was originally owned and put out by Godfrey. It is now maintained by John Cull another well known letterboxer. The stamp is changed each year and a new one has just been put in the box.
Woodford Wanderers
2013-04-16 18:11:01
Hi Rob
Just make contact with me I could send you the info you require
Cat No 23 Crow Tor I found on site 29th July 1995
Cat No 105 the box is called Left Lake Claypits
Oke Tor had a few called boxes called that, the Cat No are as follows
219, 522, 24011, or 24011. With out knowing the clue it could be any of the numbers
trekkernod
2013-04-17 09:54:47
Not to be contradictory, bit it seems we are working from different lists.
I have the following numbers for Oke Tor boxes...
105 - Oke Tor No.1
112 - Oke Tor Twin
174 - Oke Tor - Spring Camp
177 - Oke Tor No.2
219 - Oke Tor
522 - Oke Tor
I only had a quick scan through the list, and the only number for a Left Lake box, in the first 2000 boxes, is No.55.
It is puzzling that there are differences between the list I have and the details supplied by WW's?
Sowerby Streaker
2013-04-17 10:22:05
Think it would be a good idea if you could scan the stamps you have and put them onhere. I have most of the ones you mention, but they may not be the correct ones for the numbers you show. There were definately 2 on crow tor listed in the book.
The Sly Fox
2013-04-17 10:26:30
The boxes I have were owned originally by RP Milton, a well known boxer (and friend of Godfrey) who established many of the first letterboxes. I have the stamps and the visitors books.
Most of these boxes were originally put out in 1978.
Belstone Tor - North Dartmoor Est 1978
Watern Oke - Enclosure & Hut Circles Est 1978
Avon Head - South Dartmoor Est1978
Combeshead Potato Cave Dartmoor Est 1978
Crow Tor - Dartmoor Est 1978
I have the original stamps for the above boxes. I have replacement stamps for Oke Tor and Yealm Head due to the stamps being lost or stolen in 1980/81 (according to the visitors books).
I will try and get some images up for you to see.
trekkernod
2013-04-17 11:45:09
Hi Sly Fox,
Personally, I would not re-site the 'original' stamps, but have copies made perhaps with a slight difference.
If I recall, the Plymouth Get-together tried to re-establish some of the early boxes and they went missing very quickly.
The original stamps would be too great a target for the LBT or someone keen on having a piece of letterboxing history.
I think the 'rubber cut' of Oke Tor in your photo may be one of the Mystery Tors series.
Noddy
Sowerby Streaker
2013-04-17 16:22:24
Agree Oke tor is the Mystery tor box - number 13785 at least it looks the same to the one I have. Also agree that you should hold on to the original stamps as well as the chain! They will be targeted as treasure trove. I remember a lot of ammo cans having a chain welded on to hold the stamp. Would be a shame if they went missing again.
The Sly Fox
2013-04-20 10:15:03
I also thought the Oke Tor might be a Mystery Tor stamp. It seems odd that I have the visitors books for the Oke Tor box.
I loved those old Mystery Tor boxes, does anybody remember who sited them?
