How to restore this fruit press?

[DeadheadNM]

I picked up this antique Griswold lard and fruit press. I’m all set w lard but I’d like to us it to press apples for small cider batches. Looking for input on restoring it. Seems like the finish was galvanized so I suppose it could be clear zinc plated. Wonder how chrome would hold up?

[72c20customcamper]

Not sure of restoration but that thing is cool

[Ol Blue K20]

I'm not sure either but I agree that it is cool.

[FleetsidePaul]

Powder coat it??? It would make it easier to clean. At least coat the parts that touch food. And try and keep it looking as much like it does now. Because it really does look cool.

[GOPAPA]

My folks had one and it did not have any galvanize in it or on it .. if you are going to use this one you have ,,then for sure I would not put Galvanized on any of the parts that touch the fruit because some fruits are acidic .

Really a neat old press ..good for you to have it..

[Grumpy old man]

powder coat the base and upper support / chrome plate the press handle and both side supports and copper plate the basket and sieve Then you would have a usable show piece .

[LockDoc]

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I would just bead blast it paint it and use it. Put the fruit in a new small pillow case or have your wife sew up a bag that will fit inside the press and put the fruit inside that to press it out. Doing that makes it a lot easier to clean and strains the juice as you press it.....

Originally they were tinned, or painted with a Japanese paint called "Japan Black" or "Black Japan", It was a Laquer paint that was the predecessor to powder coat. Tough as nails. I think you can still buy it so you might consider using it.

LockDoc

[DeadheadNM]

Thanks for all the good words and helpful suggestions. I’ll research these and hope to post back with a completed piece before next summer.

[franken]

Why restore? What's wrong with it as is? So many people do sad fake restores on vehicles.
It only has character once.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by franken

Why restore? What's wrong with it as is? So many people do sad fake restores on vehicles.
It only has character once.

Time has conspired to remove whatever finish was present. I share your sentiment but want to put this into actual use. Using it as is will result in rusty apple cider.

[57taskforce]

Cool press Pete! How old do you think it is?

[DeadheadNM]

Tyler thanks. I couldn’t get much information on these presses unlike the iron skillets that Griswold made. Based on the size and design of the outward logo I’d guess a manufacture date between 1920-40 based on available skillet information.

This popped up on CL this weekend. I avoid CL typically because I find things. There was an entire antique barn listed on CL. How I’d love to see that in my yard.

[samkost]

Very cool piece DeadheadNM.
I have seen a few on the fleabay.
I have three old Griswold cast iron frying pans that I use all the time.
I'm guessing some parts of the press, like the base, is cast iron?
Maybe restore like some have recommended by a light sand blasting/scrubbing?
Then season/treat/heat like you would an old rusty cast iron frying pan?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1BHyL1vLeg

Again very nice find and look forward to your outcome