I just got this X-Ray coffee grinder. I know these were made by the Arcade company from 1894 through 1920, but I was wondering if there is any way to tell the earlier models from the later ones? This one is unmarked, but would have originally had a sticker on the glass. The glass is original and still has the metal strip along the top, securing it in place. Did some of these have patent dates on the handles like other Arcade grinder models? Does anyone know if there were differences in earlier vs. later production? There seem to be different screws, possibly replacements, securing the handles to the grinding mechanism. This one looks like it has the original nut, it's the disc in the center of the handle, with round "grips" around the edges. Usually I see these with things like wing nuts on them. I've also not seen many with that metal strip to hold the glass still in place.
I paid $55 for this one. It came from an estate, an old farm house in Minnesota where it was still in use by the owners who passed away in their 90's. It works great and grinds a good cup of coffee. It is missing the catch cup that hangs below it, but I've ordered a repro replacement.
