Sentimental Value

From the October/November 2008 issue of Reminisce

This issue’s antiques appraisals are items that were found in the home of Lynn and Phil Szweda of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the Reminisce photo shoot of their kitchen. Our antiques expert was on hand to examine the items up close, and she shares her findings here with our readers.

Vintage Fan

One can find a table-model fan at most tag sales, sitting over in the corner being unappreciated, with owners reluctant to junk it. Then along comes a “fan fan,” like myself, who considers vintage fans a work of art. The quality materials and excellent workmanship have not been much improved upon in our technological age.

This brass-bladed beauty was made in Menominee, Michigan and has a weighted base, original cotton cord and round plug. It is 9 inches in diameter and 10 inches high. The green color shouts 1940s. Offices did not have air-conditioning, and often fans would be wall-mounted, with the base switch accessible. Cage design, blade count, company name, oscillator style and bright color all add to value. Value: $75.

 

Graniteware Colander

Homemakers were thrilled with the new colors GRANITEWARE added to their kitchens. They didn’t mind when rust spots were caused by the enamel surface chipping. This popular enameled tinware kept gaining momentum with new and combined colors, shapes and uses. It was mass-produced, and a 14-piece set could be purchased from Sears, Roebuck, in 1908, for $4.58. Some of the more unusual and desirable items for collectors today are buckets, flour scoops, trays, large funnels and batter jugs.

Reproductions abound, usually of a single color, lighter in weight and having one coat of enamel, not three; coffeepots and teapots do not have the hinged lid. Sometimes artificial has been added.
Coloring styles include flecked, speckled, swirled and mottled in many color variations. This large-swirl, deep-size, footed colander has a solid-color top rim and handles. Value: $85.

 

Griswold Waffle Iron

When this Griswold Waffle Iron is fired up, there isn’t any delay in being served a large, crispy-hot waffle. From 1865 to 1957, Griswold, of Erie, Pennsylvania, the largest manufacturer of fine cast-iron cookware, had more patterns and variations than any other company. Its “American” pattern No. 8 has a high base, and the trademark name in block letters dates it from 1919 to 1940. The mold sets in revolving-ball sockets, and to flip the waffle, the mold was lifted with the long coil-wire handles. When Griswold sold its products through hardware stores, its motto was, “It never wears out.” During the 1930s, electric cookware was introduced that could not boast the same promise. Value: $150.

 

1950s Soda Machine

This 1950s SODA MACHINE was manufactured under license from Coca-Cola by Cavalier Corporation of Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the major facilities to produce curved-top chest coolers. The white-on-red embossed slogan “Drink Coca-Cola” appears on all four sides and underneath the hinged lid. The lid’s hinges in the middle allow it to fold in half. It opens side to side, rather than front to back. Up to 240 (small) bottles can be stacked inside the galvanized tub and can easily be restocked by removing the top completely. There are companies that still restore and sell replacement parts. This Cavalier soda chest is in remarkable condition for not having been restored. Value: $475.