For sale is a vintage 1920s ICE BLOCK PICKING TOOL from an unknown manufacturer. This sturdy 5-prong ice chipping tool with a wood handle is in excellent condition. At the turn of 20th century this toll would have been in every household, but today very few persons would recognize this tool. Tool measures about 9 inches long. A great conversation item.
From the early 1800s until about 1950, ice block usage was common in the US. Ice block usage peaked between 1880 and 1900. During this time, people used large blocks of ice in insulated “iceboxes” to keep food cold, which were replenished by ice delivery services. The widespread availability of electric refrigerators in the mid-20th century led to the decline of this industry.
