Offered here is a rare vintage Lightning Ice Cube Breaker No. 104 manufactured by North Bros. Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This example appears to be a store display / demonstration model, featuring large simulated acrylic ice cubes in the hopper and crushed “ice” pieces in the glass container below. These were used by retailers to demonstrate how the ice breaker worked without using real ice.
Unlike standard household models, demonstration units were typically used in hardware stores, appliance stores, and barware displays, making surviving examples much harder to find today.
The machine features the classic hand crank design and heavy metal construction that made the Lightning Ice Cube Breaker popular in the early–mid 20th century.Only 3 or 4 have sold in last 25 years and only one this complete!
The front of the unit is marked:
“Lightning
Ice Cube Breaker
No. 104
North Bros Mfg Co
Philadelphia PA
Made in USA”
Features
Original Lightning No. 104 Ice Cube Breaker
Made by North Bros. Manufacturing Company
Vintage store demonstration/display piece
Large simulated acrylic display ice cube
Crushed acrylic “ice” display pieces in glass dish
Classic hand crank mechanism
Heavy metal construction
Great for bar décor, advertising collections, or antique kitchen displays
Approximate Era
1930s–1940s
Condition Details
Good vintage condition
Surface wear and oxidation consistent with age
Crank turns smoothly
Has cork feet only found on demo models
Has Uranium glass bowl
Red wooden knob
Display ice present
Excellent display piece
Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
Approximate Dimensions
Height: ~10 in
Base Width: ~4.5 in
Depth: ~5 in
Shipping
Item will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking.
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