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Cast Iron Coffee Grinder, "Elgin National Coffee Mill". American, Circa 1900

Creator: Elgin National Coffee Mill
Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
This all original turn of the century coffee grinder was made commercially for the grinding of coffee in large quantities, thus it would have been on a counter top in a general store or used in places like hotels and restaurants. It is a great example of Americana, manufactured by the "Elgin National Coffee Mill" (embossed on grinder wheel--see image), which later became the "Woodruff & Edwards Co." (also embossed on the other grinder wheel---see image). They became quite ubiquitous with the popularity and copious importation of coffee for the middle class. Two holes provided in the front and back would have allowed it to be screwed into a counter top.

This is the large version (32 1/4" high) #40 model, hand painted in red, with original paint and excellent condition with no restoration of any kind. It also has the original tin coffee receptacle at the base which is very unusual to maintain. That is also in it's original red hand paint. The cast brass finial to the top of the hopper is original (see image) which is also typically missing, replaced or damaged.

To operate; slide the disc like top to the hopper over and pour coffee beans in the compartment; close; and then wind the wheels by the original wooden handle and the coffee beans will be ground dropping into the tin receptacle below.
Note the faint appearance of the black stenciling. This attests to the originality of the red paint.

The Elgin National Coffee Mill was established in Eldin, Illinois in 1889, and became the Woodruff & Edwards Co. In 1900, thus the coffee grinder is circa that period, 1900 to 1905. A fire destroyed the company in 1917.

Dimensions: 32 1/4" high x 16 1/4" wide x 19 1/4" deep (diameter of wheel)

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Cast Iron Hand Painted
Condition:	Good. All Original
Creation Date:	Circa 1900
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Americana, Traditional, Victorian
Incollect Reference #:	304624

Dimensions

W.	16.25 in;	H.	32.25 in;	D.	19.25 in;
W.	41.28 cm;	H.	81.92 cm;	D.	48.9 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.

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