Edition #7: Space Age Ice Buckets
Futurism invades every part of the bar.
I don’t think we give the ice bucket enough credit. Automatic ice makers hit the commercial market in the ‘50s, so ice was quickly available in the home of any good party host. Style and aesthetic crept into every facet of a home in the mid-century, with the unassuming ice bucket having to fit the picture. Space Age style, the popularity of which is largely attributed to the launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957, fit the bill for these utilitarian coolers. Lucite, melamine, and chrome were all favored materials and finishes that helped capture the futuristic aesthetic. We all deserve to have cool-looking ice buckets.
Vintage Mirro Medallion Ice Bucket on Etsy: This ice bucket takes Space Age literally, with its spaceship-like form. The Mirro Medallion was a well-known line in serving ware, featuring snack towers, chafing dishes, and more.
Vintage BIESSE Plastic Ice Bucket With Clamp & Lid on Etsy: This ‘70s bucket comes with its own set of tongs and a see-through top to check on ice supply.
Neat 1960's Thermalene Space Age Acrylic Bubble Dome a Lene Ice Bucket Server on eBay: The Dome-a-lene is the clever moniker for this simply designed bucket server. It also sort of looks like a garbage can, but let’s not focus on that.
Vintage Retro Space Age Guzzini Stella Sphere Shaped Ice Bucket & Tongs 1970's on eBay: Another option with included tongs, this design from Fratelli Guzzini reminds me very much of a Pokéball. The handle also neatly tucks into the grooves of the lid for the full spherical effect.
Classy Authentic Prince of Scots Mirror Orb Ice Bucket for Drinks and Parties on Etsy: I cannot begin to imagine the fingerprints on this one. This also makes me want to use it as a bowling ball. While this one itself is vintage, they do still make this!
Dome Master ice bucket, in bright yellow, deigned by Nicholas Angelakos made by Colony on Etsy: Now this one really looks like a garbage pail, but the color and sliding door make it much more fun. Put this out at a party and make people guess what’s inside.
Fratelli Guzzini Acrylic Vintage Ice Bucket With Lid on Etsy: Guzzini is a name you’ll see pop up a lot when looking at MCM serving ware. This cuboid bucket includes an insert to help with insulation and cleaning.
Stelton Ice Bucket by Erik Magnussen on Etsy: I cannot see anything except a member of Cloud City sprinting away from the Empire’s attack with this in hand (though that prop is actually nicknamed the ice cream maker).
Vintage Orange Melamine Ice Bucket by Sergio Asti for Heller on Etsy: Even though a lot of the mid-century was full of bright and bold colors, ice buckets did not really follow that trend. This orange one is an exception to the white, black, and chrome buckets I saw everywhere while researching.
Vintage 1970s Lucite Cube Ice Bucket by Alessandro Albrizzi on Etsy: Is this Space Age? I would argue yes. It looks like something from Star Trek.
Honorable Mentions
What terms were searched:
Space Age ice buckets
Atomic ice buckets
Space Age bar
Futurism
Welcome to Finder’s Keepers
This is the newsletter dedicated to leaving no vintage stone unturned. Each edition will cater to a rabbit hole that I fell down one night and include an assortment of vintage finds that make you question “Why did anyone own this?” followed quickly by “Should I own this?”
My method is simple: I attach a keyword or phrase to the item and go digging, spending hours each week combing through hundreds of pages of Etsy and Ebay bric-a-brac until I’ve seen it all. It’s chaotic but satisfactory, like looking through every rack and bin at a thrift store for those that partake in the more visceral act of going in person. I like to sit on my couch.