‘Pulk’ is basically the Norwegian word for a sledge, though it translates more like ‘freight sledge’ as pulks are nearly always towed behind a skier with something in them, or on them. Camping equipment or provisions are the usual load though the Scandinavians in particular use them for putting their kids in before they learn to ski.

The lovely Norwegian army pulk we have here in the collection dates from the 1950s and is the same type as the ones issued to Royal Marines for their Arctic warfare training in North Norway during the 1970s as you can see in the picture above. Beautifully made of wood with brass runners and a canvas top, it carried a lot of freight – the only problem was pulling it uphill and controlling it downhill. This one is missing the ‘trace’ or pulling harness , unfortunately.

Mick Tighe’s friend, Cameron Davies, lives in Norway and bought this one in an ex-army store before, very kindly, donating it to us.