Artmink

American Industrial Period Oak and Cast-Iron Cider/Fruit Press

By: Unknown; brass plaque appears to read “LASSEN …” (rest illegible in photo)

Style: Industrial/Agricultural Equipment, Rustic Americana

Origin: United States

Materials: Oak (basket and frame), cast iron (screw, handwheel, base, bands), steel hardware

Age: circa 1900–1930

Condition: Good (honest wear, oxidation; possible later/cleaned top beam; follower plate not visible—may be missing)

Value: $300–600 at auction (if complete and functional; if missing follower/blocks or with major repairs, $150–300; if maker confirmed and fully complete, potentially $600–1,000)

Maker's Marks / Writing: Small brass plaque on front ring; partial text: “LASSEN …” (illegible remainder).

Date: 2025-10-19 16:45:12.840728

Description:

A floor-standing, screw-driven fruit/cider press with slatted oak basket, iron hoop bands with rivets, a cast-iron pressure screw and handwheel, and cast-iron base shoes. The frame is timber with an iron drip ring and a small brass maker’s plaque on the front ring. Typical small-farm press used for apples, grapes or berries.

Curator Questions

Curated by Jade

Assessment:

Well-made small agricultural press of early 20th-century type, likely used for home or small-vineyard production. The dark patina on the oak staves, riveted iron bands, sand-cast texture on the base, and use-worn screw/handwheel are consistent with age and utility. The top beam appears lighter/cleaner than the legs, possibly a later replacement or a cleaned component; the interior follower plate is not visible and may be missing. A word about fakes.. Agricultural presses are less commonly forged than high-end antiques, but modern decorative replicas exist; look for fresh machine-cut threads, bright uniform finishes, and non-riveted decorative bands—none of which are evident here.

Individual Images:

• none

Provenance:

No documentation provided.

Condition:

Good (honest wear, oxidation; possible later/cleaned top beam; follower plate not visible—may be missing)

Identification Score: 90%

Form, construction and hardware (slatted basket, screw press with handwheel, drip ring) clearly indicate a fruit/cider press of early 20th-century American type.

Authenticity Score: 70%

Age-consistent oxidation, riveted hoops, and wear suggest period manufacture, but the lighter top beam and lack of clear provenance keep the score cautious; possible missing follower.

Image Memory Note

None     None

Keywords

cider press, fruit press, grape press, Industrial Period, oak, cast iron, Americana, United States, farm tool, antique press

Report ID:  : x44xv8

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