This interesting copper bread box is seen as soon we’re invited to step into the kitchen of Hutch’s Canal Cottage in “The Pariah” (above). In the latter half of S1 it wanders around the counter, but returns to sit on top of the frigde when Hutch moves to Venice place.
It’s probably from the 1950s, and according to online auctions of similar items, it is marked “Krestline, Speco Products, Chicago, ILL”. The box has holes at the back for hanging on the wall. In addition to the bread box, it has four small drawers: two large ones labeled for flour and sugar, and two small ones for coffee and tea. You can see the labels in this photo of an identical bread box from an online auction. The measurements are approximately 45.5 cm x 26 cm x 31 cm).
I thought the idea behind metal kitchen containers was to keep bugs and mice out of the food. Wouldn’t holes in the back negate the purpose?
LikeLike
No idea – I saw a photo of one of these boxes from the backside, and it even seemed to have some ventilation grid/mesh there. Here it is (but the grid is only for the bread box, it seems): https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-metal-bread-box-canister-set-510637712
I’ve seen mentions that at least some of the smaller drawers (at least for coffee) did come with a separate lid, so maybe those were bug proof?
LikeLike
Hmm, just the coffee one seems to have a lid. Doesn’t look bug proof to me! https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images4/1/0113/25/huge-vintage-krestline-speco_1_b358db6e4d8e898fc856894eb5748ec5.jpg
LikeLike
The bread area vents are small enough to keep out mice, and the drawers backs would cover the mounting holes, but those nasty flour weevils could sure get through! I guess modern ’70s kitchens could use plastic bags in the drawers to help protect the foodstuffs.
Starsky would probably joke that 1. not even bugs and mice want to eat Hutch’s health food or 2. Hutch just eats them as part of his nature-boy-Euell-Gibbons lifestyle. (Vendetta comments inspired)
LikeLiked by 1 person
0 Pingbacks