VICTORIAN OAK FLORAL CARVED ICE CHEST WITH ZINC LINED INTERIOR & RARE BRASS PHOENIX HEAD HARDWARE BY THE BOWEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY

With our absolute compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this extremely fine and rare antique oak ice chest. In the late 19th century electricity was still a curiosity for most Americans and every home would have an ice chest instead of a modern refrigerator. These chests are designed as a receptacle for large blocks of ice which slowly melt away throughout the week keeping the food inside at a safe temperature. The melted ice water is allowed to freely flow out of the chest via an escapement hole fitted in the very bottom where it would be collected and disposed of. This method of refrigeration served the public well for the entirety of domesticated life until the invention of electrical refrigerators which did not become wide spread until about a century ago. Typically either porcelain or zinc was used to insulate the interior of the ice chest with zinc being the more practical option as porcelain interiors are prone to breaking due to their heavy weight and lack of structural integrity. We find that homes in the country or rural parts of the U.S. still desire to have ice chests today as they are practical furnishings which greatly enhance the interior of any room they are placed. Aside from the obvious utility the storage compartments provide many collectors value antique ice chests for their original intended purpose should a community lose power for an extended period of time. While we hope that our clients never lose power at all it is good to know that they have a piece which provides airtight storage of non perishable food items for the indefinite future.   

This ice chest was produced by the Bowen Manufacturing Company of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin as evident from the stylized brass plated label still affixed to the front. The entirety of the exterior is comprised of solid oak which is generally regarded as the best wood to design an ice chest from. Elaborate floral carved designs are intricately placed all throughout the exterior of the case in a manner quite similar to the Eastlake Victorian design movement. The patent date of Dec 2nd, 1892 is inscribed on the manufacturers plate indicating the ice chest was made on that date or soon afterwards. This chest features the most spectacular brass hardware we have ever encountered before on an ice chest with floral stylizations and bold phoenix head patterns on the hinges and prominent on the lower door latch. There is no question that this ice chest was made with considerable pride and designed to be used continually as a functional piece that is also an artistic labor. The top lifts open to reveal a storage cavity which is fit with a corrugated zinc shelf designed to support the weight of an ice block and to aid with proper water runoff. The case is designed with raised panel construction allowing for the solid oak to adjust in a framework throughout the seasons as wood naturally expands and contracts. Each side features double raised panels with molded beads to provide an extra aesthetic detail while the back features a lateral raised panel framework. The lower door opens to reveal a full storage compartment and a zinc lined door interior for extra refrigeration. The entire piece is finished with a beautiful golden oak color which has developed a rich and warm patina throughout the years. This antique ice chest measures 32" wide x 21” deep x 42 3/4” tall. 

WELCOME

We are a wholly owned family business in our third decade of continuous operation. We have a large inventory of fine antiques ranging from Early American, Federal, Chippendale, Empire, Centennial, Victorian, 20th Century custom mahogany, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern antique furniture along with decorative arts from across the globe. All the items we offer to the general public are high quality estate pieces. We do not offer goods with significant flaws or defects. We completely avoid items with issues. You can expect the items we sell to have reasonable wear and tear. Due to the large volume of goods we deal in we cannot describe items in minutia. We do our best to give you an accurate condition report in our description of the items. We have expert woodworkers and re-finishers on staff to service any piece of furniture we offer. We represent all merchandise in absolute good faith and to the very best of our ability. Please ask all questions, including, but not limited to, shipping costs prior to purchase. All items are sold as is and from their location. If you would like to find out about any number of our services, including appraisals and restoration, please ask us about our website for more information. 

SHIPPING & DELIVERIES

     We deliver within a 250 mile range of zip code 01105 for a low cost flat rate. We specialize in New York City and Boston deliveries at extremely reasonable rates. For items requiring shipping beyond our delivery zone, we offer freight or “Ground Services” shipping, depending on the size of the items. We ship anywhere within the Continental United States. Items will require packaging and palletizing for freight shipments. The buyer is responsible for the cost of materials only for this service. We perform this service without the cost of labor as an appreciation for your patronage. Freight class shipping is the fastest and most cost effective method of shipping large items. We can reach anywhere in America with a large shipment within 7-10 business days. We buy materials in bulk to save you excessive costs. The materials required for proper crating of items for their safe transit is so specialized we may need up to 7-10 business days to make sure we get absolutely what is required & do the best job possible. We go the extra mile by designing premium customized furniture crates for the ultimate protection of your purchase. We ship from our facility with a loading dock on a major trucking artery. This and our “volume shippers” discount creates a substantial lower cost for you. The least expensive method of shipping is business to business with loading docks. Next is a business without a dock and the last option is shipping to a resident. We are sending your shipments with freight carriers. They are not furniture movers who bring the items into your home. You are provided with curbside delivery of your shipments. We can get you special services in certain cases, but you are responsible for telling us you require them and for the extra cost of these services, if you instruct our shippers to provide services beyond curbside deliveries. We are responsible for any additional services and charged for these services. We absolutely maintain our right to collect the costs of these charges for services we did not authorize or were prepaid for. 

MERCHANDISE PICK UP AND STORAGE

All our customers are welcome to come to our facility to pick up their purchases free of charge. You can expect friendly help in loading your purchase in your vehicle. We ask that you come ready to transport your purchase by having ample pads or blankets to protect your item in transit. We don’t like to send nice people off with things tied to roof racks. We also do not desire to charge storage fees, but we are holding some purchases for over three years now and are under no contract to. We are not a storage facility. We are happy to hold your items for a reasonable pre-agreed upon period. Beyond or absent any specified contract a $50.00 dollar per week storage fee will apply.

ON-LINE SALES/TERMS OF USE

All Massachusetts residents are subject to the 6.25% sales tax unless you possess a valid resale number from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We do not accept returns so please, ask all questions prior to submitting an offer or purchasing. We have a zero tolerance policy for non-paying buyers. Any offer we accept is a binding sale and subject to the conditions herein. Massachusetts General Law applies to all sales. Bidding on and purchasing any item is under the acknowledgment of the buyer and is consent to the contractual agreement set forth herein. This agreement is in full force and effect on any item purchased through our Ebay store and on items purchased through us and our gallery. We strive to make your on-line buying experience as easy and pleasant as possible. We accept all major credit cards and are delighted to answer any questions that you may have or provide services you may need.