If you have a wood-framed antique ice box, you may wonder how to date it. Ice boxes don’t change much in 50 years, so you can use the manufacturer’s nameplate as a starting point for dating. Often, the nameplate will include the patent year as well, which can help you narrow down the manufacture date. In addition, metal parts are often easily identifiable. Listed below are the three most important factors that will help you date your antique ice box.
Wooden ice boxes
Antique wooden ice boxes are part of the history of American life. Many elderly people refer to these chilled containers as “ice boxes.” They’re useful for storing wine, liquor, and desserts. There are a few ways to determine the age of your wooden ice box. To begin, you need to understand its construction. Most early versions were simple, with wooden frames and a metal lining. Many were made of solid wood, with cork or straw filling the space between the metal and the wood. Eventually, these boxes were lined with tin or zinc. Many early Ice Boxes also contained a cork or other insulating material, making it easy to identify your antique. You can also tell which era a piece is from by looking at its paint.
If you notice a nameplate on your ice box, it probably dates from the late nineteenth century. But, note that manufacturers like McCray did not start manufacturing ice boxes until the early 1880s. If you notice any damage on the ice box, it’s most likely a fake antique. A wood ice box with a wooden nameplate may be dated by the manufacturer, but a metal one could be older or newer.
Often, an antique Ice Box can be difficult to find in original condition, and will likely require some research to identify its origin. A genuine antique Ice Box can be difficult to find in its original condition, but you can find an authentic example in many auction websites. You can also look at commercial websites that specialize in antique wooden ice boxes. Regardless of where you decide to purchase your antique ice box, be sure to check the condition and authenticity of your piece.
Coke coolers
If you’ve recently purchased an antique Coca-Cola cooler, the first thing you need to do is identify its maker. The Vendo Company, based in Kansas City, Missouri, began making the beverage coolers in the early 1950s. It initially sold coin-operated tops for other manufacturers of beverage coolers, but soon expanded to produce entire vending machines. The most popular models of this type of cooler were manufactured from 1949 to 1957. These are the ones with the red tops, while those before that are solid red with the word “Ice Cold” inscribed on the bottom.
The first Coke coolers were created in 1929. The original design featured an iced box above a storage compartment. Throughout the following decades, the design changed and the coolers became almost ubiquitous. One of the most famous designs was the cooler on wheels, which was the most popular in the 1950s. It used ice to keep beverages cold and was often powered by electricity. These machines not only provided cold beverages, but also promoted the Coca-Cola brand.
Another way to date an antique Coke cooler is to examine its design. Early Coke machines tended to have round tops. By the mid-1950s, they started to get sleeker and more modern. In the 1960s, however, Coke coolers began to feature flat tops and wood paneling. An antique Coke cooler’s serial number can tell the exact year it was manufactured. Serial numbers are usually found on metal plates that are fixed to the doors. These can be cross-referenced with compendiums of Coca-Cola serial numbers to determine the year of manufacture.
The first step to dating an antique Coke cooler is to find the brand name. Depending on its manufacturer, the brand name may indicate the exact date of manufacture. A machine made by Glascock Manufacturing Company, for instance, is the oldest official Coca-Cola vending machine produced. If there is no date mark on the heel or waist, the vintage machine is not very old. If you’ve found a machine that you like, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for information about its manufacture.
Metal ice boxes
If you are interested in dating your old metal ice boxes, the first step is to clean them thoroughly. You can purchase a proper cleaner solution at a local store. To add extra luster to the wrought iron details, you can polish the metal parts. In the past, people had less money but were more concerned with functionality than aesthetics. Their Ice Boxes could range in price from $500 to $15,000, depending on their style and quality.
Originally, refrigeration started with farmers who wanted to keep butter and cheese at a cold temperature. Later, this method was used to keep food cold during transport. This technique was quickly adopted by hotels, restaurants, butchers, and fish sellers. Eventually, special freight ice boxes were built for railroads to make it easier to deliver food. These inventions changed the way people ate. Today, nearly every household has a metal icebox. Domestic refrigerators became common in the early 1900s and were widely available in the 1940s.
Once the owner knows how to date his Ice Box, he can easily buy one on eBay for $3100 or more. Most Ice Boxes are not that expensive, and even a low-end model can be worth up to $10,000 if professionally restored. The value of your Ice Box depends on whether it has any particular design details or features, such as a spigot for pouring water. These features will greatly increase its value.
Antique iceboxes are not easy to find. They may not be listed on the most reputable sites, but you can try eBay, Vintage Appliance, and Bargain John. If your icebox is not listed on these sites, you might have to resort to other options. However, you might have trouble finding a genuine antique piece in the first place, so explore the internet for other sources. You may end up finding the exact piece you’re looking for.
Recognizable metal parts
There are several recognizably metal parts of an antique ice box. While the finish is a bit later, the tin lining is original. It also contains the original paper label. An authentic ice box can be a great addition to a coffee table or end table. Alternatively, you can turn it into a plant sanctuary. Decorate it with house plants. It might also serve as a music station.
In the 19th century, the average ice box was made of wood. These boxes became more elaborate over time, with carvings and embellishments added to the simple structure. This made these ice boxes works of art. In the 20th century, there was a renewed interest in the ice box and other items, including its decorative aspects. However, these pieces are not essential for storing food. The ice box can also be used as a storage box for mechanical accessories and hardware.
Price of antique ice boxes
Antique ice boxes have many factors that determine their value. The size, material, and provenance of the antique ice box are all important factors that determine its value. In addition to size, quality of workmanship, and provenance, a well-restored antique ice box can fetch high prices. Some refinished ice boxes also come with good value, such as those with original designs. But before you make a final decision, you need to know about the price range of an antique ice box.
To know the price range for antique ice boxes, you should consult a professional appraiser or an antiques dealer. A seasoned antiques dealer will know the value of an ice box. While you’re at it, clean the ice box as best as you can. Don’t forget to wipe down any metal parts and hardware. Replaced hardware detracts from the value of an antique ice box. Clean metal parts using Brasso.
Antique ice boxes can be worth quite a bit, depending on their design. Some ice delivery companies commissioned colorful ice cards that served as advertisements for their business. A wooden ice box in good condition may be a good option for those who want to add value to their home decor. But if you’re thinking of selling an antique ice box, you should keep in mind that they can be fakes. You can make a good profit by selling it.
A properly appraised antique ice box can cost several hundred dollars. A properly appraised ice box will help you get the most value for your money. Antique ice boxes are a valuable decorative item, and you can even use it for other purposes. For example, it can store non-essential items such as toys, hardware, and mechanical accessories. The value of a properly appraised antique ice box depends on its age, condition, and overall aesthetics.