White Clad Ice Box Value Guide

The White Clad ice box, produced for the Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, represents a pinnacle of early 20th-century food preservation. These oak-constructed units are highly collectible today for their transition from essential household appliances to sought-after rustic furniture pieces.

What Is White Clad Ice Box Worth?

The typical price range for White Clad Ice Box is $350 - $450 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the oak wood finish and presence of original brass hardware components.
• Integrity of the interior tin or zinc lining; rusted or removed linings can decrease value.
• Authenticity of the era, as original 1900-1920 models command higher prices than late 20th-century replicas.
• Overall structural stability, especially if the piece is being repurposed as a side table or cabinet.

How to Identify White Clad Ice Box?

• Look for the distinct rectangular 'White Clad' embossed brass nameplate typically centered on the front.
• Verify the construction material is solid oak with original tin or zinc interior lining.
• Examine the heavy brass latch hardware and hinges which should show age-appropriate patina.
• Check for the Simmons Hardware Co. branding which distinguishes authentic early 1900s models from 1970s reproductions.

History of White Clad Ice Box

The White Clad brand was associated with Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri. They were prominent manufacturers of ice boxes, which were essential household items before the widespread adoption of electric refrigerators. These ice boxes were designed to keep food cold using large blocks of ice, requiring regular replenishment. Over time, as refrigeration technology advanced, these functional pieces transitioned into decorative and collectible items, often repurposed as end tables or storage cabinets, especially reproductions from the 1970s and 1980s.