1950’s West Bend Chrome Penguin Ice Bucket

Mid-Century Modern vintage chrome West Bend penguin hot and cold server ice bucket. Iconic, 1950s-1960s Kitsch, penguin pattern, lidded chrome ice bucket with a row of waddling penguins and Bakelite brown handles and lid knob has been popular since its midcentury introduction. The ice bucket is signed on the underside, West Bend Penguin hot/cold server. Made in West Bend, Wisconsin, USA. Mostly used as ice bucket, but it can also be used to keep hot foods hot Officially named the Penguin Hot and Cold Server. West Bend Co. was founded in 1911 as the West Bend Aluminum Company, changing to just West Bend Company in 1961. Even though the company started in aluminum, the metal is chrome steel. The piece was designed to insulate both hot and cold foods. The penguin was the work of inventor Ralph N. Kircher. He patented the design in 1941 but wartime restrictions on aluminum meant the penguin didn’t really take off until after the war. - Measures: 8.5" high including the knob - 10.5" across the top from handle to handle Size is 8" in diameter (not counting the handles)