FB Tre Spade all metal coffee grinder 1930 Italy

This is a very early (ca. 1930) Italian coffee grinder, fully made of metal. It was signed and made by the Fratelli Bertoldo (FB) the brothers Bertoldo from Turin. They started their metalware company around 1900 and also started making automobiles around that time known under the name Tre Spade (3 swords) because the book “the three musketeers” was very popular back then. And I assume there were 3 brother. The 3 swords logo is prominent on the grinder front and can also be found on the handle together with the words “Marca FB Depositata” (registered trade mark) which is no longer found on later grinders. The Tre Spade company still exists today but the FB was dropped from the logo.

The grinder itself has been heavily used but still grinds, there is play around the central axel and the adjustment nut is stuck due to coffee oils. I am selling this as a display piece, specially because these old Italian grinders do not grind like a German one. I you are looking for one to use regularly I would advise a nice PeDe / DeVe or Peugeot grinder I am selling elsewhere on this website.

The most striking feature on this grinder is the solid brass axel nut that still holds the ring and the solid brass handle knob. Many came with wooden known that could not stand the test of time so not many of these are still around. This all metal design has all it’s part and show heaps of patina. It has a lot of presence for it’s small size. It measures 9 cm or 3 inch wide and about 15,5 cm or 6 inches from bottom to the top of the knob.