The Antique Register

18 Nov-Dec 07
� Scottsdale �
There Is Real ‘Dough’ in Rolling Pins!
The beauty of art in utilitarian objects is one of the joyful
reasons that so many people are avid antique collectors.
Rolling pins are a perfect representation of how art
and function can be delightfully combined. This practical
baker’s tool has been around ever since man discovered
flour. In the beginning stones and even hands were used for
turning dough into bread.
For obvious reasons manufactured rolling pins are
always cylindrical, but have been interpreted in a delightful
variety of ways. Whether simple or elaborate, rolling pins
are an elegantly basic form that defies improvement or
refinement. The oldest rolling pins were turned from wood
even though it is still traditionally used today. Many of the
most charming examples were made by home craftsmen
using a simple lathe.
By the 19th century, pottery and porcelain along
with colored and clear glass had been introduced as an
alternative to wood. Unlike wood, these new, harder, less
porous materials were easier to clean and could be readily
cooled to help make working dough easier. In fact, starting
in the late-Victorian era, hollow glass rolling pins were
produced first with cork closures and later screw tops to
accommodate chilled water or ice in order to facilitate
rolling.
Other less seen, scarcer, durable components have
included cast iron, tin, aluminum, porcelain-enamel over
iron Graniteware, marble and, surprisingly, even concrete.
The tapered handleless early 20th century wooden
rolling pin (upper left) is known as French style. It is
rotated with the palms of the hands. It is valued at $45. A
one piece, knob-handled rolling pin (lower left) ($35) is
an improvement over the French style. Another advance
was the one-piece rolling pin (upper right) with elegantly
turned handles ($25).
Glass and porcelain proved ideal materials. Their
By Jay Mark
smooth surfaces reduced the chore of rolling. Chilling
and cleaned were more readily facilitated. The ability to
convey advertising was another advantage that allowed
for its use as a popular promotional item that kept a store
or product name right in front of cooks. Ironically this
first-quarter 20th century milk glass rolling pin (lower
right) doesn’t advertise food. Rather it boldly declares
that burning Edgewood Coal for $6 ton “can’t be beat.” A
scarce advertising piece, it is valued at between $100-125.
The Depression-era white glazed stoneware rolling
pin with rust-colored bands (center) was provided
“Compliments of Lieb the Grocer” who sold Ferndell Pure
Foods. The missing handles diminish the value of this
otherwise expressive piece to $85.
As the holiday season approaches, cooks often bring
out their special rolling pins to help prepare the assortment
of distinctive dishes enjoyed this time of the year. Since
modern rolling pins differ little from their predecessors, it
is a perfect occasion to bring out those and other antique
kitchen tools that harken back to another time. It is an
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