Antique “Polar” Stoneware Milk Cooler Bottle (c.1890–1910)
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A rare and beautifully preserved piece of Victorian/Edwardian dairy history.
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Before modern refrigeration, households relied on ingenuity and natural science to preserve fresh food. This charming stoneware “Polar” Milk Cooler, dating from around 1890–1910, would have kept milk refreshingly cool using evaporative cooling technology — an early eco-friendly alternative to the fridge.
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Made from unglazed porous stoneware, the vessel was designed to be soaked in water before use. As moisture evaporated through the clay, the interior temperature dropped, helping keep milk fresher for longer, particularly in warm weather. This simple yet intelligent concept was widely used in middle-class kitchens during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, before iceboxes and electric refrigerators became common.
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The printed transfer label proudly reads:
> “The ‘Polar’ Milk Cooler”
with original usage instructions underneath — a wonderful feature that adds to its authenticity and charm.
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This cooler remains in beautiful original condition, with a tactile matt finish, honest age wear, and a warm time-worn tone that only true antique stoneware develops. The tiny ventilation hole near the neck is intentional — part of the evaporative cooling design. A practical object in its day, it now makes a characterful decorative piece, ideal for rustic kitchens, farmhouse displays, or collections of antique dairy and kitchenalia.
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✅ Features
Original “Polar Milk Cooler” branding & instructions
Porous unglazed stoneware — Victorian evaporative cooling design
Authentic vent hole to aid water evaporation
Rich natural patina & period ageing
Rare surviving example of pre-refrigeration technology
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📏 Approx. Dimensions
Height: ~ 30 cm
Diameter (base): ~ 10cm
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🏡 Styling Ideas
Display with vintage dairy bottles, butter churns & bread crocks
Charming vase for dried flowers or meadow stems
Statement accent in a country kitchen or farmhouse pantry
Beautiful addition to museum-style kitchenalia displays
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🎁 A Thoughtful Gift For
Collectors of antique kitchenalia
Country home stylists
Dairy & food history enthusiasts
Lovers of natural, sustainable living history pieces
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📚 Historical Interest
These coolers reflect an era of transition — from traditional food storage to the beginnings of refrigeration. They showcase Victorian domestic science, sustainability, and practical ingenuity, making them highly collectible and increasingly scarce.
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⭐ Condition
Excellent antique condition with expected age-related wear, surface marks and patina. Clean interior with natural clay tone. No cracks or structural faults. A beautiful and genuine piece with character.
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💡 Care
Not for food use today — best enjoyed as a decorative display item. Dust gently; avoid soaking to preserve the clay surface.