This is a wonderful French hand hammered antique ice cream maker (Glaciere) c.1890 – 1900. It comes complete with its pull out internal zinc liner and the internal glass container to place the ice cream mixture in to be frozen. The remainder of the zinc liner is then filled with ice. If homemade ice cream is not your thing then this very versatile piece can also be used as a planter or a great champagne or wine holder. I have left the maker unpolished for the new owner to decide whether they like it polished or not.

The first time a dessert started to resemble modern ice cream was probably in the first half of the 17th century when Catherine di Medici’s sugar bakers froze fruit puree or juice. The cold dessert quickly became a trend among the French upper class and the first ice cream parlour opened its doors in Paris in the 1660s. It was not until the 19th century that ice cream became available to the general public, although it was still a luxury. In contrast to many other luxurious foods, ice cream was not exclusive because of its ingredients, but because of the complexity of making it.