Images(5)

Bowl, Covered

Object number2011.117.8 a,b

Manufacturer Aluminum Company of America (1907 - 1998)

Mediumaluminum

Credit LineGift of Estate of Harold Sperry

DescriptionCovered aluminum bowl.Dimensions8.375 x 5.875 x 8 in. (21.3 x 14.9 x 20.3 cm)
Marks(b)
Maker's mark on base "[deer with antlers, with "K" on shield] / Kensington".
Historical NotesCovered bowl part of the Kensington Ware line. In an effort to generate a larger market for aluminum the Pittsburgh Reduction Company (Alcoa) promoted new uses for aluminum and the most successful was in the manufacturing of cooking utensils. In 1901, production was so successful the company formed its own cookware subsidiary, Aluminum Cooking Utensil Company. The company then adopted the Wear-Ever brand name. Its products, including coffee pots, tea kettles, pans, and juicers, were sold both in stores and door-to-door. The top of the line products made by Wear-Ever were called Kensington Ware. The line was produced in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and featured a large number of differing products from candlesticks to bowls to ashtrays to vases. These items helped to show new potential uses for aluminum and also demonstrated the metal's beauty and durability. Alcoa sold the Wear-Ever business to a company called Mirro in 1982.

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