An auction of vintage Berkel meat slicers

Left, Flywheel slicer, Model 12, c1955. Right, Flywheel slicer, Model 5, 1922–1928

(Image credit: wright20.com)

Our editors set a high bar when it comes to the products they cover. So when you see a meat slicer on our pages, you'd better believe it's one to watch.

Ever since the Chicago auction house Wright announced it would be selling off a collection of vintage Berkel flywheel slicers, we've been ogling its Instagram feed and counting the days. Wright, a specialist in modern and contemporary design, is hosting a preview of the machines until 9 February, when they'll be auctioned off at the West Hubbard Street headquarters.

*Flywheel slicer, Model P, manufactured by Sigma for Berkel, 1932–1946 / c2000*

The sale, called 'Design in Motion', features other vintage kitchen ephemera, but the star lots are 20 standing slicers dating from the 1890s to the 1950s. It'll be the first-ever auction dedicated to the vintage flywheel slicing machines, designed by a Dutch butcher and manufactured in the American Midwest since the early 20th century.

Highlights include a 1930s 'Model 9H' in iconic 'Berkel red' with a rippled base; an 'Art Nouveau Model C'; and a matt black 'Model P'; and a 'Piccolo', from the 1930s. Crafted in enameled iron and polished steel, they are not only incredibly precise but also precisely detailed, with meticulous pin-striping, ripples and lettering. They've been restored down to the concave blade.

Flywheel slicer, Model 100, c1916 and Right, Flywheel slicer, Model P — Left, Flywheel slicer, Model 100, c1916. Right, Flywheel slicer, Model P, manufactured by Sigma for Berkel, 1932 –1946 / c2000

INFORMATION
The ’Design in Motion’ auction will take place on 9 February. For more information, visit the Wright Auction House website

ADDRESS

Wright Auction House
1440 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60642

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Based in London, Ellen Himelfarb travels widely for her reports on architecture and design. Her words appear in The Times, The Telegraph, The World of Interiors, and The Globe and Mail in her native Canada. She has worked with Wallpaper* since 2006.