Mill, Coffee
Object number2019.95.1 a,b
Designer
Calvin Adams
(1809 - 1879)
Manufacturer
Pittsburgh Novelty Works
Date1840-1872
MediumIron; Metal; Paint
Credit LineGift of Charlotte Fox
DescriptionCoffee mill comprised of top grinding section and bottom base section. Top section slides on and locks onto bottom section.
Top section of coffee mill containing the grinding mechanism. Iron painted black. Rounded square base has two adjacent corners with extended flange and opposite side has latch. Atop base is grinding bowl with octagonal top rim. Bowl has post at center above a hole with pinwheel grinding blades. Mounted atop post is rotating arm that is secured with a wingnut. Arm has round handle at end, and top of arm has raised maker last name.
Bottom section of coffee mill is the base of the mill that receives the grinded coffee. Painted brown metal. Rounded square base has inward sloping walls with undulating zig-zag surface. Top is open with cross bar through center with raised tab at one end and open rim on opposite side for top grinding section to slide into; tab connects with latch on top section for securing the two parts together. Underside is flat. Base perimeter has one hole on two opposing sides.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a-b together): 5.75 x 7.75 x 4.75 in. (14.6 x 19.7 x 12.1 cm)Height x Width x Depth (a): 4.25 x 7.5 x 4 in. (10.8 x 19.1 x 10.2 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 2.125 x 4.75 x 4.75 in. (5.4 x 12.1 x 12.1 cm)
Marks(a)
Top of rotating arm has raised text "ADAMS".
Historical NotesCoffee mill designed by Calvin Adams. Calvin Adams was an inventor and businessman who established the first malleable iron plant west of the Allegheny Mountains in Pittsburgh during the 1840s. Adams organized the Pittsburgh Novelty Works which manufactured his inventions, including the hand coffee mill, the Janus-faced lock, and the spring snap used on watch chains and harnesses. In 1872, Calvin Adams sold his interests and retired to "private life.” It appears, however, that Adams worked with his son, S. Jarvis, also an inventor, after retirement.
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Stella Marrs
Logan and Strobridge Iron Company
