Now You're Cookin'! Vintage Kitchenware

By Barbara Nicholson Bell

Early in March I attended a large antiques show held at the New York State Fairgrounds. Knowing I wouldn't be a buyer this year, I brought along my digital camera, a notebook and my Suite101 business cards. By recording the things that interested me, with photos and notes, I would have a rich resource for future articles. By handing out my cards, I could spread the word about Suite101 and perhaps leave a stronger impression in the memories of the dealers I spoke with.

This article, then, is a result of that effort. After downloading the pictures to my computer, I realized that a sizable portion of them were of vintage kitchenware, from the 1920's to the 1950's. These are the wonderful things we remember from our grandparents and parents' homes, and I'm sure the photos (see Photo Page) will evoke fond times for you.

The first photo is of a nice set made up of a 1950's-era breadbox and matching paper napkin holder. The dealer had them priced separately: breadbox, $45 and napkin holder, $25. I'm sure some negotiating could have brought the price down somewhat especially when purchased together. Similar breadboxes on the Web are going for exactly the same price, so this dealer's prices are not out of line. Wouldn't they make a delightful addition to your kitchen renovation? They are colorful, and very functional!

The next two photos are of Depression glass refrigerator ware. Many companies made these and often they were available from the refrigerator manufacturers. One set pictured is in the popular green glass, and the other is in the less common pink glass. These were photographed in different booths, but the prices are similar. The green set (priced individually) range from $35 to $55 a piece. The pink set ranges from $28 to $55. Size and function seem to determine the price.

In the article PATTERNS IMPORTANT TO THE HISTORY OF DEPRESSION GLASS by Joyce E. Krupey, which appeared in the National Depression Glass Association's February 2001 online newsletter, the author states:

"...in the context of all glass making of the era, Depression Glass was but one part of the larger fabric of the glass industry. It was a logical extension of mechanization and a valuable contribution to a troubled economic era in that it kept people working. The end of the era also was logical in the context of economic stagnation and the changing consumer market. By the end of the 1930s, the techniques and machinery used for making Depression Glass were being abandoned for even more automated moulding methods."

Another example of Depression glass kitchenware is pictured in the next photo. These Hoosier canisters would have been accessories in any home with a Hoosier cabinet (see The Marvelous Hoosier Cabinet, May 2001). Their lovely deep green was a cheerful addition to the 1920's-1930's kitchen, and glassware was seen as more sanitary than earlier wooden and tin containers were. The dealer has priced them from $36 to $40 which is very reasonable as their condition is excellent.

Moving forward into the 1950's we see a delightful and complete set of Hopalong Cassidy character drinking glasses. These might have contained peanut butter or Welch's jelly, or they might have been premiums one could send for with a few boxtops from breakfast cereals. The dealer priced these colorful glasses at $16 apiece. It might be best, however, not to use these for drinking. Not only would you not want anything to happen to your collectible glasses, but there might be lead content in the paint used for the design.

Last, but certainly not least, is a photo of an unusual collectible. These are vintage wall-hung string holders, made of chalk, and I'd never seen anything quite like them. Manufactured in the 1940s and 1950s, these whimsical characters are not only amusing but functional – something that always enhances a collectible. Their prices range from $35 to $155, based not only on the scarcity of the design but also on condition. These are good prices, but one must be sure they are original, not reproductions. Some very rare Black Americana string holders have been priced at over $600. I was sorely tempted to take one home, but resisted. I took the picture instead – I can't break anything that way!

An excellent article on vintage string holders can be read at Country Collector.

Collectors of vintage kitchenware have a wealth of items to choose from – black iron trivets and pots and pans, wooden-handled utensils, salt-and-pepper shakers, egg beaters, wall clocks, cookie jars, and even furniture, ice boxes and early refrigerators, stoves and sinks! I hope I've tickled your fancy to search for some of your favorites!

Some websites to visit for more of these kitchen collectibles:

About the Author:

I have been a writer all my life, a collector of various interesting and old things, a traveler and an artist. More importantly, I've been a mother to four fine sons and grandmother to one very smart young lady. In these capacities and a few miscellaneous others, I've pursued a number of careers. I formerly wrote for Suite101.com on the topics Antiques & Collectibles and Design How-To (formerly, Interior Decorating for Beginners) as well as managing the Arts & Crafts section and several courses and newsletters to do with gardening, the home, and family. My articles have been gathered in two Best of Suite e-books entitled Antiques & Collectibles: The Design Periods, and The Collector's Encyclopedia, vols I & II.

Another stage in my life begins as Editor for Suite101's Home and Garden section. I can now legitimately focus on my passions for interior decorating, gardening and writing all at once!

Recently I was assigned the Health section as well. As the health of my family and myself are of utmost importance to me, I feel honored to have this responsibility. Meanwhile, if other avenues of self-expression present themselves to me, I may follow them as well. Some other very important interests include my husband Russ, Paris (and everything French), and golf.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.