I am starting another new, occasional feature: What to Collect, spotlighting: Collections inspired by your photos, maybe a little bit of the collectible’s history, and maybe a look at the particularly rare or unusual pieces to look for. First up: Anodized aluminum housewares — especially the brightly colored pieces.
I was inspired to go learn more about vintage and antique anodized aluminum by the photo above: It’s from Chicken301, who uploaded this photo of “anodised aluminum planters with succulents” when readers shared 105 photos of their outdoor spaces. Sure, I’d seen colored aluminum tumblers and coasters before — but never planters like these. So pretty — and such an impact when you group them together — this is the secret of displaying collections: Mass them. Anodized aluminum: What else is out there? So I went searching on etsy.com to see what other odd and wonderful examples I could find… what to collect? –>
To start, I searched “anodized aluminum” on etsy… and received just four pages of items in return for my query. I went through the four pages and found a few nice examples of this collectible… but I was not satisfied … and thought there must be more. Sure there was: I searched “vintage aluminum”, and — yikes! — 193 pages came back to me to ogle. I made it through 90 pages and in the process found this:
Above: Smogmaster Ash Tray from VintageCoolETC on etsy.com. Image used with permission. And this:
Above: A terrific wall light with four different color aluminum shades, also from VintageCoolETC. Image used with permission. And this:
Above: And on page 90, I found this — NOS liquor bottle pourers, shining more brightly as an aluminum Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. At first I sent the listing to Cullen, thinking he would love this. But before he could even reply, I had to have these for my own vintage hoard. Score! Will I ever get the guts to actually use them? I think not…they are just too too sparkly….
The history of brightly colored vintage anodized aluminum housewares…
I could not find much about the history of this collectible online. I welcome any readers with knowledge of this collectible to share — and I will add it here.
What are the most collectible examples of vintage and antique anodized aluminum housewares…
Again, I need help on this one. I tend to believe the tumblers and coasters are pretty common and, therefore, not worth a great deal of money. But going through all those etsy pages (and mind you — I only made it to page 90 of 193 before my eyes started to bug out), I was able to spot some pieces that looked “odd” or in particularly good condition that I guess would be worth more.
hannah says
Collections! I have several! Love the vintage aluminum – and have coveted a set of vintage glasses in good condition, but they’re not high on the ‘want’ list right now. The planters are so pretty! You can’t beat those colors and the ‘shiny’ the goes with.
Me, lucite grape clusters, vintage towels, and now vintage sheets (linens mostly NOS) and I have a raging desire the last several months for platters, and various stoneware plates. Too much fun going to the Goodwill because I always fine a few for 99 cents, then check Etsy/eBay and see they want $12/ea and upwards depending on maker and design!
John says
That looks fun, I’ll keep my eye out for some when I’m at some estate or yard sales. I think some of my vintage Christmas ornaments are annodized aluminum.
TappanTrailerTami says
I also love anodized aluminum, and the planters are so wonderful. Pam, did Chicken301 say whether there is a maker’s mark or brand on these?
Another great anodized aluminum collectible is Wearever Hallite cookware (not making comments on safety here). Their lids came in anodized aqua color, anodized copper color, and I believe an anodize black.
Do an eBay search for Hallite and you can see all the different pieces they made – the teapot and coffee pot are too cute!
Ima Pam says
A great deco looking Wearever Hallite coffee pot with aqua lid found me just today! Yay! (I’ve been looking for one for camping). Heavy duty, great stuff 🙂
Jeff says
Hi Pam, how about gold anodized aluminum architectural screens? I have several on the house which are back lit, and are free standing off the wall of the house. Can send photos if you like.
I do love the planters and will look into getting some!
Theresa says
Here are some terry cloth covers that could be used on the tumblers http://www.mileskimball.com/MilesKimball/Shopping/ProductDetail.aspx?TID=_MilesKimball&ProductID=0000006895&ICMP=Search
Susan says
Well that was an act of the Vintage Goddess. Have never seen anondised planters before. After reading your post I went onto ebay and did “mid century” search. Third item up for grabs red anondised aluminium planter in a white stand! It’s in Melbourne, Australia for anyone interested – going off this afternoon.
Diane says
Growing up in the seventies, we spent a lot of time at Grandma’s. Of course she had a set of tumblers and bowls. She always served us orange koolaid and a local brand of potato chips using those dishes. I’ve been thinking about getting a set now myself.
letthemwin says
My great-grandmother had a set of the tumblers and sherbert bowls, and this was when I was a kid in the 70’s. Not sure how long she had them before that, but they always make me think of her. Thank you Pam
lynda says
Back in the 50’s when the dairy came to you, the colorful aluminum cups contained cottage cheese. Unlike the glass milk bottles, we were not expected to return the cups. Of course no one thought to take good care of them back then. I guess that is why there are not many perfect ones now.
IMissLiberty says
My grandmother had these, too. I well remember the metalic taste they add to drinks.
I’ve heard bad things about aluminum for cooking–linked to Alzheimer’s. Does anyone know about how safe they are to use for food and drink?
pam kueber says
IMissLiberty, I am not going to let readers make safety reco’s here. Consult with a properly licensed professional….