Vintage Universal & Keystone Cast Iron Hand Crank Meat Grinders – Lot of 2

For Sale by Auction in
Grove City, Ohio, US

Description A vintage 2-piece assembly of heavy-duty American industrial kitchenware, showcasing iconic hand-crank manual food processing implements. The collection includes a large Universal food chopper/grinder paired alongside a smaller Keystone No. 5 counter-clamp meat grinder manufactured by the Colebrookdale Iron Company (C.L. Co.) of Boyertown, Pennsylvania. [1] The Universal grinder is cast with prominent raised…

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Location
Grove City, Ohio, United States (US)

Item description:

Description
A vintage 2-piece assembly of heavy-duty American industrial kitchenware, showcasing iconic hand-crank manual food processing implements. The collection includes a large Universal food chopper/grinder paired alongside a smaller Keystone No. 5 counter-clamp meat grinder manufactured by the Colebrookdale Iron Company (C.L. Co.) of Boyertown, Pennsylvania. [1]
The Universal grinder is cast with prominent raised lettering reading "UNIVERSAL" across the arm alongside a factory stamp reading "MADE IN U.S.A.". The Keystone unit features crisp embossed markings reading "C.L. Co. BOYERTOWN PA" on one flank of the hopper and "KEYSTONE" underneath a prominent model size stamp of "5" on the reverse. Both units are designed with integral under-counter adjustable clamp mounts and feature classic turned-wood handle grips. The lot includes two interchangeable flat steel grinding disk blades. [1, 2, 3]
Lot Contents
Universal Food Chopper/Grinder (1): Heavy cast iron body with deep hopper throat, internal feed auger, and long crank handle arm.
Keystone No. 5 Meat Grinder (1): Compact cast iron body with complete wing-nut end assembly.
Perforated Steel Grinding Disks (2): Dual loose flat replacement cutting plates with varying perforation patterns.
Dimensions
Universal Length: Arm extends to approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) over a 24-inch ruler grid.
Keystone Height: Stands approximately 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) tall.
Condition Report
True Metal Structure: Both kitchen tools are structurally intact, heavy, and robust. The underlying cast iron bodies maintain stable structural lines without cracked mounting collars or broken clamp frames.
True Surface Finish: The metallic finishes display an authentic distressed, aged look. Both grinders show variable oxidation, areas of grey-silver factory plating loss, and extensive scattered rust staining, particularly surrounding the internal auger grooves, the wing-nuts, and the steel threads.
True Mechanical Function: Both hand cranks rotate freely on their axes, and the coarse screw-clamp mounts open and close as intended. The smooth turned-wood handles are securely attached, displaying minor superficial dark handling marks and natural grain discoloration from use.
True Blade Condition: The two loose steel cutting disks are structurally flat but show heavy, widespread surface rust scaling and dark brown tarnish across all perforations, requiring targeted cleaning or chemical restoration before any potential food use.