Antique Ice Cream Scoops

From LoveToKnow Antiques

Collectors of soda fountain items, ice cream parlor paraphernalia and kitchenware, all love to find antique ice cream scoops to add to their collections.

Antique ice cream scoop

Early Ice Cream Scoops

Ice cream was originally called iced cream. It has been a popular treat for thousands of years. Its history can be traced back to ancient times, developing through the centuries into the tasty treats we have today.

Servers often found it difficult to serve ice cream using early antique ice cream scoops, also known as dishers, dippers or molds. This occurred because the ice cream was sticky and difficult to remove from the serving utensil. Servers generally found themselves using a second utensil, or sometimes their hand, to release the ice cream.

The First Ice Cream Scoop with Mechanical Lever Action

Alfred L. Cralle, a young inventor living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, realized the need for an easy way to dispense ice cream. He applied for a patent for his invention called an Ice Cream Mold and Disher on February 2, 1897. Eventually, his invention would be known as the ice cream scoop. Simply designed to stop ice cream from sticking when dispensed, Cralle’s invention was durable, inexpensive and very successful. It was easy to use with one hand, and eliminated the need for two utensils when serving ice cream. His basic design could be manufactured in various sizes and shapes such as mounds, cones and cylinders. This design is still used in the manufacture of ice cream scoops today.

Ice Cream Scoop Sizes and Shapes

Ice cream scoops were made in many different sizes. The number located either on the bowl or on the scoop’s wiper indicates size and number of scoops per quart. The most common ice cream scoop sizes range from 6 to 24.

Ice cream scoops were made in many different shapes. The following are examples of these shapes.

You can search Ebay by typing in antique ice cream scoops, or a specific company name such as Myer, into the search box on the main page. There you will find the ice cream scoops that are currently up for auction.

Images of Antique Ice Cream Scoops

  • Manufactured by the Erie Specialty Company, the cone shaped bowl of this antique ice cream scoop was considered a specialty item.
  • According to the book, Ice Cream Dippers by Wayne Smith, this beautiful brass and wood, large bowl ice cream dipper may have been the first round disher ever produced. Manufactured by the Gem Spoon Company, the wiper reads N.Y. Pat. May 7, 1895-6.
  • This 1940s Peerless Bakelite ice cream scoop is an excellent example of a cross collectible. The rich cherry red color and Art Deco lines make this fabulous ice cream scoop a beautiful piece of vintage kitchenware.
  • Made in 1900, this primitive heavy metal ice cream scoop has a piece of metal on the inside that turns to release the ice cream when the top knob is turned.
  • An antique ice cream dipper from the early 1900s is a treasure from the past.

Ice Cream Scoop Resources

Conclusion

There are many varied styles and types of antique ice cream scoops. Many collectors not only enjoy collecting them but also use those that are in good workable condition.

Retrieved from "http://antiques.lovetoknow.com/Antique_Ice_Cream_Scoops"

 


Comment on Antique Ice Cream Scoops



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Antiques Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles