The Swiss Valley Furniture team has the answers. As the name implies, pie safes were originally used to safely store pies, bread, and other perishable food items. Typically about 18 inches deep, these storage cupboards feature multiple shelves that are protected by two hinged doors.
What was the drawer on a pie safe used for?
Despite the dramatic name, pie safes aren’t high-tech lockboxes used to deter valiant robbers — or at least not the human sort. These wooden cupboards with punched tin panels were designed to keep insects and vermin out and to preserve pies and perishable goods in pre-icebox households.
What are pie safes worth?
It is important to get reputable professional advice on the value of your safe but some antique pie safes can be worth more than $1000.
When did they stop making pie safes?
Pie safes remained popular until the later part of the 19th century. By this time, the furniture was largely produced in factories and no longer had that unique quality that had once made it so coveted.
How old is a pie safe?
The origin of the pie safe can be traced back to the early 1700s in America. It was likely introduced by German immigrants to the country, who typically settled in the Pennsylvania area. These people later become known as the ‘Pennsylvania Dutch.
What is a jelly cabinet?
A jelly cupboard is an enclosed shelving unit traditionally used to store jams and jellies. Also known as a jam cupboard or jelly cabinet, these freestanding units were customarily utilized to protect the foodstuffs inside from mice and other pests.
Do pie safes have glass doors?
Glass Doors
The Amish Furniture Modesto Mission Pie Safe Cabinet offers the option of glass or copper doors, adding an upscale and elegant appearance.
Why are they called Hoosier cabinets?
The cabinet got its name because most of them were made in Indiana. The first Hoosier cabinets appeared in 1898, created by a furniture company called Sellers, in New Castle, Indiana. Popularity of the cabinet grew up until the late 1940’s when the records for the cabinets became scarce.
Are old safes worth money?
Antique safes are highly collectible and rare models are worth many times their initial retail price. Generally, on a percentage basis, the more you spent in the first place the more it’s worth today. There are dozens of online safe retailers with used safes for sale.
How do you restore an old pie safe?
How to Restore an Antique Pie Safe
Clean and inspect the pie safe. Sand the cabinet, drawers and doors thoroughly, using a heavy-grit sandpaper, and working up to a fine grit. Apply a commercial paint stripper to those difficult areas. Inspect the dovetail joints on the drawers for signs of rot or damage.
What does a pie safe look like?
A pie safe, also called a kitchen safe, is easy to identify. It is a rectangular cupboard, usually with two doors that have pierced tin panels. Pies and other food items were safe behind the metal doors and kept fresh because air could circulate through the pierced holes.
How tall are pie safes?
wide by 14.25 in. deep by 48 in. high.
How much is an antique hutch worth?
Investment in antique hutch remains somewhat expensive for most collectors. Almost all the available designs will cost more than $1000 – $3000 for sure. High-quality, stylish, rare & distinctive designs can even exceed $10000 at once.
