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| Modest Teak Peppermill Collection |
If you're like me you tend to collect things - actually I
think just about everyone that I know collects something whether they realize
they do or not. I once heard a collection defined as 3 or more of anything -
for some that means tools, for other it's shoes. I first became a collector
at about age 8 - that's right around when my dad started bringing home
comic books. I think he bought them for himself (he always read them first),
but I got them after he was done. This would be the latest in Superman, Batman
and Action comics from the 60's and 70's - I can't remember a time when I
didn't have them, but of course at the time they were so cheap that everyone I
knew growing up read them and looked for those missing issues - that's
the seductive part that gets you into being a collector, hunting for missing
issues. When I became a bit older I would frequent the local flea market with
my dad and really that's when I really got into collecting which entices me
into thrift stores to this day.
Besides all of the other things I collect (First Edition
Science Fiction books, vintage space toys, Japanese robots, antique tools and
woodworking equipment, the list goes on), my interest in modernism had me
picking up inexpensive household items at thrift stores. I would frequently
find teak items by Dansk, Nissen and other manufactures usually for a couple of
dollars, but I really became a collector with my first teak pepper mill. Dansk
and Kobenstyle was the brainchild of designer Jens Quistgaard who become the
father of modernist kitchen items during the 50s, 60s and 70s and the company
continues to this day. While he made some really wonderful items including the
well-designed and brightly colored Kobenstyle pots and pans, what I really fell
in love with are the unusual teak pepper mills he began producing in the 50s.
From the first time I found one at Goodwill, I've been hooked and look for
these at every thrift or antique store I visit.
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| Dansk Mills |
What makes these fun to collect is that they are still small
enough that you can accumulate quite a few without them taking up your home
(sounds silly but I've seen more than one collector who's habits have consumed
every bit of space in their home and I've always joked that if Cindi and I ever
break up it will because of all the junk I collect - I get the side-eye
frequently and the occasional terse word). The second thing that's awesome
about teak pepper mills has to do with the materials - the early Dansk mills
and some others like Nissen, used high-quality metal Peugeot grinding
mechanisms so they can last indefinitely (the later mills are a combination of
metal and plastic and are more subject to failure with time). Third, you can
still find them at thrift stores for a pittance (however it's becoming more and
more difficult - I only found two last year) but even if you buy them
elsewhere, you can build a collection without breaking the bank. Finally and
perhaps the most importantly, these mills come in an infinite number of
beautiful, symmetrical shapes that epitomize the modernist aesthetic.
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| Better Pugeot grinder |
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| Later Plastic Grinder |
My own collection is I think slightly larger than modest -
almost all of mine were found at thrift stores although I have splurged at an
occasional antique store find. They are mostly Dansk with a couple of Nissen,
but there are some unknown makers also represented as well as some Japanese
makers. In general these are made of Burmese or Siamese teak (from Thailand)
which has a more honey-brown color that mellows with age. Teak is a naturally
oily wood with extreme weather and water resistance making it perfect for use
in the kitchen and a natural material for pepper mills. Some day I plan to
setup a big display on the wall in the dining room - the small size allows for
tight quarters and an expansive array. You can see some of the varieties in the
photos - the first is of the Dansk mills which follow a certain style.
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| Danish Mills (not Dansk) |
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| Japanese Teak Mills |
The larger photo at the top is a mix of Dansk and other
manufacturers, some are obvious knock-offs of Dansk while others went a bit
with their own thing. Most recently the remains of the Dansk family issued some
new mills (some were a rehash of classic mills done in Acacia but they did do
one that bits of teak in the top so of course I had to buy one). There are also
some extremely rare mills that were made as part of the Rare Woods line and
featured Ebony, Cocobolo and other species - these sell for hundreds of dollars
to collectors and are highly coveted (and no, unfortunately I don't own any but
am always looking, looking...)
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| Newer Dansk Mill |
If you're
thinking about a hobby collecting can be quite rewarding as there's usually a
lot to learn about what you like including the history and relative value of
items like these pepper mills. One way to start is to visit our upcoming Black
Friday Holiday Market for items made locally.
Previously published in the Northcrest News. Copyright 2016 John Eaton.
-- John
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