Key Wind Ice Cream Dipper, 1918-1922

Can you imagine a time when soda jerks at parlors served ice cream using two spoons- one to scoop and the second to transfer it from the spoon to the dish? Probably not…because in 1876, William Clewell of Reading, PA, patented the first "key wind" (or turn-key) conical ice cream scoop.
The scoop was made of bronze or steel, featuring a conical shape with a scraper inside connected to a die-cast iron key on top that often formed a "heart" shape or a "KW" (Key Wind) cutout, allowing the operator to cut and release the ice cream with a key turn. It was U..S. Patent No. 209,751, and Clewell introduced his “dipper” across the World. Between 1890 and throughout 1920s, several product manufacturers produced variations and designs mocked after Clewell’s original patented key-winding dipper.
Clewell’s design worked well enough, but there were two major drawbacks. First, the device still required two hands to operate- one to hold it and the other to turn the key. Secondly, as refrigeration improved, ice cream was frozen harder.
The conical shape of the dipper, with the welded scraper was prone to breaking easily. To fix these problems, inventers all over the country began to patent a new scooper design rather than a conical dipper. These would include the innovative lever-action scooper first patented in 1897 by Alfred L. Cralle. By the turn of the century, there were over 20 different patented ice cream scoopers!
Today the most popular scoop has a rounded bowl and no working parts to release the ice cream from the dipper. Today’s one handed ice cream scoop, rolls the frozen treats into a neat ball. After all the designs and patents of the 20th century it turns out the most efficient way to serve ice cream is also the simplest.

Good Condition-Original Patina
Weighs 5 ounces
Measures 7.5” Long 3.75” Tall
The conical digger is diameter is 3”


MemoryLaneVintiques sanitizes all glassware, glazed pottery, jewelry and resin cast items before packing for
shipment....100% Guaranteed!
STANDS IN PHOTOS NOT INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE OF THIS ITEM!
ETSY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
POLICY
As a venue for artists, designers, and makers, Etsy takes intellectual property rights very seriously. We comply with intellectual property laws and industry best practices in order to maintain the integrity of our creative marketplace. This Intellectual Property Policy explains how we address allegations of infringement: how authorized parties can submit reports of
infringement regarding content on our marketplace, and how Etsy sellers can respond when their listings or shops are affected by a report.
ANY COPY AND PASTING OR PLAGIARIZING OF MATERIAL ON MEMORYLANEVINTIQUES
IS SUBJECT TO ETSY INVESTIGATION AND PENALTIES!
MemoryLaneVintiques researchers also protect our shop from Intellectual Property
Theft by researching for violators of our material.
Be respectful!
Chad & Jennifer Johnston
(August 2024)