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This cast iron mechanism still contains remnants of the coffee it was initially designed to
grind. A hopper, grinder and lower drawer are flanked by two large wheels that operate that
operate the machine. It is embellished with painted floral decorations, and bears cast
lettering with the manufactures name, “ENTERPRISE MFG CO”, and location here in
Philadelphia.Label Type
Exhibition LabelLabel
The Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Pennsylvania started production in its northeast
Philadelphia factory in 1870 and produced an array of appliances and household tools. With nearly
four hundred employees by the 1880s, about a quarter of them boys, the company shipped well
designed and highly ornamented consumer items around the country.Label Type
Exhibition LabelLabel
Fabricated primarily from cast iron, this coffee grinder was made by melting an iron alloy with a high
carbon content into its liquid form in a cupola furnace and pouring it into the desired mold. The coffee
drawer and the base, as well as one of the handles, were made of wood and crafted in the factory from
raw material.