Discover Vintage America – January 2012
Humble
rolling pins can be decorative collectibles
Chances are you have a rolling pin with a
nostalgic family history. For most of us there are fond memories of a mother or
aunt rolling out pie or cookie dough with a wooden rolling pin, handed down in
the family. If you are lucky, it may have been handmade and several hundred
years old and in auction terms “primitive Americana” and collectible.
Like other vintage and antique kitchen objects,
the rolling pin is seriously collected. Rolling pins are often decorative and
made of many materials from glass to copper and ceramics to marble, some
reflecting their country of origin. They even come in many sizes ranging from
nine to 18 inches long.
Historically, they were first made of wood by
the Etruscans in the 9th century. In 18th century England,
some of the most beautiful examples were made of glass in Nailsea and other
glass blowing centers. The early ones were dark green with splashes of white.
By the 1830s swirls of various colors were used. Sailors often bought them as
wedding gifts.
Ceramic rolling pins of English Cornish ware,
with its wide, blue horizontal stripes and German Meissen’s onion pattern
became popular in the 19th century. However, the onion pattern has
been in use since the mid-18th century. The Dutch made decorative
Delft faience rolling pins in blue and white with windmills and floral motifs.
In America, wood rolling pins were
commercially made in the mid-19th century, replacing those made by
hand of pine. However, at that time, pine became scarce and cherry and maple
were used by manufacturers.
Collectors search for the handmade wooden
rolling pins that were often decorated with vera-colored woods or inlaid with
ivory or bone. Sometimes the usual wood handles were replaced with wood.
By the late 19th century, clear
glass rolling pins that held crushed ice or ice water were patented. This would
cool the butter and other shortening and make it easier to roll out the dough.
Milk glass rolling pins with decorated
sayings, such as “to a friend” were popular gifts around the turn of the
century. Collectors often specialize in them. They are still around since they
were treasured items.
In the early 20th century, some
unusual rolling pins were also made of tin and wood. The tin covered the wood
drum and they were sold with a wood pastry board. They may not be very
attractive but they sell for several hundred dollars.
CLUES: Reproductions of the
looped Nailsea rolling pins have been around a long time. Marble rolling pins
may be old or new, the handles can be a clue. Know your dealer or do your research
before spending too much.
Do you need more information on an antique or collectible item? For a personal reply, send a photo, history, size, signatures and $25 to Anne Gilbert, P.O. BOX 740136, Boynton Beach, FL 33437-0136.