What Is It? What Is It Worth?

Our team of antiques experts weighs in on your treasured finds.

- APRIL HARDWICK

OBJECT LESSON: Arcade Mfg. Co. Coffee Mills

WHAT TO KNOW: Freeport, Illinois-based Arcade Mfg. Co. began as an iron foundry in 1885 and was well-known for its molding machines, which made cast-iron toys-such as the famous Yellow Cab, inexpensive home shop tools and woodworking machinery, and other home objects, including coffee mills. By 1897, American coffee consumption was growing so much that Arcade increased production of its variety of mills to include eight wall-mounted hopper versions, like the "Golden Rule," "Bell," "No. 25" (far left), and "Crystal" Nos. 1 through 4. The glass canisters typically had a one-pound capacity for beans and a cast-iron grinder that was finished in a white, black, or blue enamel. A glass catch cup held the ground coffee (a bonus if found still intact today!). Rockwell Mfg. purchased Arcade in 1946, closing the brand in 1953.

WHAT IT'S WORTH: $125 to $500 each

Special thanks to...

Angela and Brian Neuhaus of The Painted Lady Antiques (thepaintedladyantiques.com) for sharing a few of their mills.