Vintage(?) Thermal Carafe Questions

[rp2813]

I saw this carafe listed on Nextdoor and picked it up for $5.  It will replace my sister's ugly, crusty, plastic purple one that she uses for her coffee every morning.  I know this one has a corporate look, but it will not be a sore thumb on her vintage Wedgewood stove like the purple one is, and it has a real metal exterior with a glass thermal insert.

 

I'm trying to figure out a couple of things. 

 

1) Who made it?  There are no identifying marks whatsoever.

2) What is the purpose of the stopper that can be disassembled (see pix)?  It must be removed in order to pour.

 

I'm not sure what material was used for the brown colored seal around the stopper.  It has the appearance of leather.  The section in the center of the stopper has two sets of threads but I don't know what the logic is behind them.  My first thought was that loosening the top would allow contents to be poured without removing the stopper, but I don't see how that could work.

 

Any information would be appreciated.

 

Aaaaand . . . the iPhone pix got turned sideways upon attachment here (except for #3).  Grrrrrr.

 

[foraloysius]

That looks like a vintage one. My grandmother had one of those, probably bought in the late 70's or so. The stopper has indeed to be pulled out, it's not possible to poor with the stopper still in place. The stopper can be disassembled because you can clean it better that way. And maybe they just didn't know how to manufacture it otherwise. I don't remember what material the ring was, but can it be a mix of rubber and some other material?

 

[pulltostart]

Ralph,

Does this function like a vacuum bottle?  Can the interior pressure change such that a "seal" needs to be broken?

 

lawrence

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Louis and Lawrence.

 

It does seem to create a vacuum on its own.  When I dumped some Lemishine into it followed by boiling water, I let it sit for a few minutes and the stopper did form a seal.  Still, it's definitely not a travel thermos but that's OK for my sister's application.   Lawrence, did you mean that the knob can perhaps be used like a plunger if it's unscrewed from the lower set of threads?  The purpose of the two sets of threads on the part of the stopper that the knob screws onto is still puzzling me.

 

The sealing ring isn't soft or pliable, but it does do its job.  I'm wondering if it was originally that shade of brown or if it has been stained by coffee over the years.  I used a brush on the bottle with the Lemishine solution and it's looking like brand new inside.

 

 

 

[foraloysius]

I remember my grandmother often didn't turn it enough to get the plug out easily. Often there was still a bit of a vacuum and when she pulled out the plug, there was a plop sound.

This kind of plug was an improvement compared to the older ones that used a cork. You had to keep the cork really clean or otherwise it would get mouldy. The models with a cork would say plop sometimes too.

 

[rp2813]

Ah, now I think I understand.  The knob unscrews in order to let air into the bottle and allow the stopper to be easily removed.  Does that make sense?

 

[pulltostart]

I think that's what I was trying to suggest, but maybe didn't explain myself very well. 

 

Glad you figured it out!

 

lawrence

 

[foraloysius]

Yes, that makes sense. When you put the knob in and turn it clockwise, the brown band will expand and make a vacuum. You can feel how it expands if you keep the knob in your hand in turn it clockwise.

 

[rp2813]

Here's One on eBay

NIB that apparently has no brand name, and instead maybe a catalog number.  Not exactly the same shape and style as mine, but likely the same manufacturer.  I wonder if these were give-away items or redeemable with savings stamps.

 

The pictures provide a good look at an unused stopper.  Note the notch in the stopper and the corresponding raised area in the sealing part of stainless spout back toward the top of the handle.  Mine has them as well.  I presume matching these up ensures a seal.

 

 

 

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