Enterprise Cherry Stoner No. 1 Value Guide

The Enterprise Cherry Stoner No. 1 is a quintessential piece of Americana, patented by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia in the late 19th century. It is highly collectible for its intricate cast iron mechanical design and its historical role in revolutionizing home canning and baking during the Victorian era.

What affects the value of Enterprise Cherry Stoner No. 1?

• Condition of the tinned finish, as heavy rusting or loss of plating significantly reduces the $65-$70 valuation.
• Mechanical integrity, specifically the smooth rotation of the hand crank and the alignment of the pitting wheel.
• Presence of original mounting hardware, such as the table clamp and thumb screw.
• Rarity of specific casting variations or early production marks from the 1880s versus later 1910 models.

How to Identify Enterprise Cherry Stoner No. 1?

• Look for the 'Enterprise Mfg Co' and 'Philadelphia' embossed lettering on the cast iron frame.
• Verify the presence of the original tinned finish, which was applied to prevent the iron from reacting with acidic cherry juice.
• Check for the specific 'No. 1' model designation and the 1883 patent date cast into the body.
• Ensure the textured wheel and gravity-fed hopper are intact and functional as originally designed.

History of Enterprise Cherry Stoner No. 1

Patented in the late 19th century by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, these devices were revolutionary for home canning and baking. They automated the tedious task of removing cherry pits, using a textured wheel and gravity-fed hopper to separate the stone from the flesh.