Description
Vintage aluminium spherical shaped ice bucket, with penguins embossed around the middle.
Produced in West Bend, Wisconsin in the 1940 -1950’s, the Penguin Hot and Cold Server is an iconic object of post-war American culture.
The lidded ice bucket features a row of waddling penguins and Bakelite brown handles and lid knob. It has been popular since its mid-century introduction. The ice bucket is signed on the underside, ‘West Bend Penguin Hot & Cold Server. A Product of West Bend Aluminum Co. West Bend, Wis., USA’.
West Bend Co. was founded in 1911 as the West Bend Aluminium Company, changing to just West Bend Company in 1961. Even though the company started in aluminium, the metal is chrome steel. The piece was designed to insulate both hot and cold foods. The penguin was the work of inventor Ralph N. Kircher. He patented the design in 1941 but wartime restrictions on aluminium meant the penguin didn’t really take off until after the war.
Please remember when buying vintage items, they will have signs of use but that is also what makes them so unique. We do our best to photograph and explain the condition of the item as best we can. If you have any questions about a particular item, please contact us. Please take the time to look at all pictures.
Product Code: 19116/G
Styling: The Penguin Hot and Cold Server was more often uses as a ice bucket; it was also used as a container to keep side dishes warm at outdoor barbeque parties. Use to serve hot dishes to guests at parties, or use as an ice bucket. Looks fabulous on display on a table or shelf. Great for any bar, restaurant, home, bistro, B&B etc. or use as a prop for a display.
