Antique English Oak & Brass Citrus Press

Popular for thousands of years with origins in Asia, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used their hands or simple tools like reed straws or pressing stones to crush citrus fruits and release their coveted nectar. Over time, creative minds developed more efficient methods like the siphon, which was comprised of a narrow tube inserted into the fruit, with the other end connected to a receptacle. By compressing the fruit, the juice would flow through the tube into the container.

Citrus juicing made a tangy leap forward with 16th century Italian painter and engineer Camillo Tortello's invention of the citrus press. Tortello's press consisted of a bowl with ridged walls and a hinged lever that served to press the fruit against the outer ridges, extracting juice in a manner not dissimilar to hand presses used today.

Acquired at market in London, we are thrilled to present this rare and spectacular Antique English Oak & Brass Citrus Press. Handsome, with a dramatic silhouette, every detail of this romantic early kitchen or bar "appliance" features a rich patina, well-earned through decades of lively service. Dramatically rising at center from two exquisite brass columns embedded within a handsome solid oak base, the stunning press gains its mighty leverage by means of a lovely and efficient hinge, which when opened reveals a smoothly worn sieve. With petite holes to allow the precious juice to escape while retaining pesky seeds, the press is employed by raising and lowering the generous handle.

When closed, the upper portion of the handle mechanism showcases a lovely brass medallion, designed for engraving with your bespoke monogram. On the base directly below the sieve and sized for a variety of receptacles including a cocktail shaker (pictured below ), a glass or shaker would have been placed to catch the juice. Featuring the distinctive Cupid mark for John Grinsell & Sons on the underside of the base unit, the faint accompanying style or "standish" number on the shield would have identified the item within their sales inventory, allowing the reorder of specific components or the entire oak unit. Specialists in combining metal (most often silverplate or brass) with elements like glass and English oak, John Grinsell & Sons was a premier maker of early lifestyle accessories during the Edwardian era. 

Whether juicing into a glass for an invigorating afternoon citron pressé, prepping lime juice for cocktail hour or squeezing dramatically into a shaker for maximizing mixology showmanship, this rare Citrus Press is a true treasure. Highly sought after and highly collectible, this magnificent piece will surely take pride of place on any home bar or antique kitchen collection.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In good antique condition. Stand Measures 10"H x 16"W x 6"D.