Kitchen Collectibles
03.31.06 By Lorraine NewberryUntil the mid 1900s, the kitchen was the undisputed heart of the home and most families, and mothers in particular, spent many hours in that room. From piecrust crimpers and apple corers to cookie cutters and potato mashers, a variety of tools were available to make kitchen chores easier. Many of these tools can still be found today at flea markets and antique malls and have attracted all sorts of collectors. With their bright colors and interesting shapes, kitchen collectibles are fun to look at and make great wall displays in the kitchen.
Many of the kitchen collectibles, such as butter paddles and dough boxes, were made from wood. Others were made entirely with metal such as cast iron apple peelers or wrought iron choppers. Still others were created with metal bodies and wooden handles. Some of the tools were for such obscure uses that it’s not unusual to come across an oddly shaped kitchen gadget that sends you searching through books to discover just what it is and what tasks it performed.
Until the 1920s, most kitchen tools with wooden handles were painted black. At that time, however, manufacturers began using bright, cheery colors on the handles. The economy was booming, and makers sought to attract buyers with color. Red and green were used most often, but other colors were employed as well. Brightly colored wooden handles remained popular until the 1950s, when plastic handles became more common for kitchen gadgets.
To keep your kitchen collectibles in good shape, be careful when washing them. You don’t want the wood to crack or the paint to peel. Do not put the kitchenware through the harsh environment of the dishwasher. Always wash the kitchen collectibles by hand with a gentle detergent, but do not allow the wood handles to soak. Make sure the kitchen collectibles are completely dry before storing them.
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Article Tags: care, kitchen, storage, utensils================
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