Set, Salt and Pepper
Object number2017.127.47 a-d
Manufacturer
WearEver, subsidiary of ALCOA, Inc.
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumAluminum
Credit LineGift of Ralston W. and Dr. Katherine R. Thomas
DescriptionSilver aluminum salt and pepper set from the Kensington Ware line.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a,b): 2.75 × 1.125 × 1.125 in. (7 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm)Height x Width x Depth (a): 2.625 × 1.125 × 1.125 in. (6.7 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 0.625 × 1.125 × 1.125 in. (1.6 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c,d): 2.75 × 1.125 × 1.125 in. (7 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 2.625 × 1.125 × 1.125 in. (6.7 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 0.625 × 1.125 × 1.125 in. (1.6 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm)
Marks(b,d) Text on base states "Kensington".
Historical NotesGiven to Katherine and Ralston Thomas as a wedding gift in 1959. 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.
Previous owner
Katherine R. Thomas
(born 1937)
Subjects
On View
Not on view
WearEver, subsidiary of ALCOA, Inc.
Eugene Dietzgen Company
