Foley Flour Sifter Value Guide

vintage Ulrich Tinware flour sifter one lid 6 5/8 X 6" black wood handle 1922 pa | eBay
Foley Flour Sifter
Estimated Value
$15 – $25
Period
1940-1960
Origin
United States
Materials
Aluminum, wood

The Foley Flour Sifter is a quintessential piece of mid-century Americana, manufactured by the Foley Manufacturing Company of Minneapolis. These aluminum sifters became a kitchen staple for their reliable mechanical design, which ensured the lump-free flour necessary for precise baking.

What Is Foley Flour Sifter Worth?

The typical price range for Foley Flour Sifter is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the aluminum, specifically the absence of deep dents, heavy oxidation, or pitting.
  • The presence and original paint color of the wooden crank handle, with red being highly desirable for collectors.
  • Mechanical functionality, ensuring the hand-crank rotates smoothly without catching on the mesh screen.
  • Cleanliness of the mesh, as sifters free of rusted wires or old flour residue command higher prices.

How to Identify Foley Flour Sifter?

  • Look for the 'Foley' brand name stamped clearly into the aluminum body or the handle assembly.
  • Check for the characteristic wooden knob on the hand-crank mechanism, typically finished in red or natural wood.
  • Verify the construction material is lightweight aluminum, consistent with the 1940-1960 production era.
  • Examine the internal mesh screen and rotating wire agitator which are specific to the Foley mechanical design.

History of Foley Flour Sifter

Flour sifters have been a staple in kitchens for centuries, evolving from simple mesh screens to mechanical devices like this Foley model. Foley Manufacturing Company, founded in 1926 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, became well-known for producing reliable kitchen gadgets, including their iconic sifters. These tools ensured a finer, lump-free flour, essential for consistent baking results, and were a common sight in American homes throughout the mid-20th century.

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