Arcade X-Ray is one of my favorite vintage coffee grinders. There is something different about them. It could be the glass panel that displays the coffee beans, or it could be the symmetrical shape of the wooden hopper. I’m not sure. But it sure looks creative for that period.
“Wood back and hopper, glass front, chilled iron grinders, front thumbscrew adjustments, japanned cast iron body and handle detachable iron cup. Capacity one pound. (Also called X-Ray Coffee Mill and No. 1). No. 1 – Height overall 13 in.. Per dozen $9.50, Half dozen in a case” ~Original product description quoted from the Arcade Mfg Co. 1918 catalog
The Arcade X-Ray coffee grinder was manufactured by the Arcade company. The grinder features a wood back and integrated hopper with glass front, chilled iron grinders, and front thumbscrew adjustments. Its body and handle were made from japanned cast iron. It included a detachable iron catch cup. Maybe customers complained about the glass catch cups being too fragile or chose to make the catch cup out of cast iron purely for design purposes.
If you can find an Arcade X-Ray grinder with its original glass front, expect to pay a premium price. You are lucky if you can find one with its original brand sticker on the glass front panel! Let’s look at some of the listings for sale.
Arcade X-Ray Coffee Grinder Listings
Arcade X-Ray Pictures
Interesting Facts of Arcade X-Ray Coffee Mill (circa 1890-1920)
- Other names: No. 1 X-Ray & No. 250 Mill
- Materials: varnished hardwood, with black enameled parts; cast-iron lid and receiving cup; holds one pound of coffee visible to the consumer.
- Measurements: 13 1/2″ tall
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