Foley Food Mill #101 Value Guide

The Foley Food Mill #101 is a quintessential piece of Americana, manufactured by the Foley Manufacturing Company in Minneapolis between 1940 and 1960. It remains highly collectible due to its robust stainless steel construction and its historical role as the primary tool for creating purees and baby food in mid-century kitchens.

What affects the value of Foley Food Mill #101?

• The condition of the stainless steel, specifically the absence of deep pitting, rust, or significant denting.
• The preservation of the original wooden handle, as cracked or missing wood components significantly decrease the $40-$60 valuation.
• Mechanical functionality, ensuring the crank turns smoothly and the tension spring remains tight for effective straining.
• The presence of original period packaging or instructional inserts, which can push the value toward the higher end of the price range.

How to Identify Foley Food Mill #101?

• Look for the 'Foley' brand name and model number '101' stamped directly into the stainless steel body.
• Verify the presence of the original wooden handle grip, which is a signature feature of the 1940-1960 era models.
• Check for the specific hand-crank mechanism designed for mashing and straining, often featuring a Bakelite or wooden knob.
• Confirm the 'Made in USA' or Minneapolis, Minnesota origin markings typically found on the underside or handle.

History of Foley Food Mill #101

The Foley Manufacturing Company, founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1926, became famous for its kitchen gadgets, particularly the food mill. The Foley Food Mill was a staple in American kitchens for decades, prized for its simplicity and effectiveness in preparing purees, sauces, and baby food. Its enduring design, like the #101 model, made it a household name and a testament to practical, robust kitchen tools from a bygone era.