Arcade Crystal Coffee Mills - Part 2

 After the No. 25, Arcade hit on its famous No. 3 crystal mill in the 1910's and then the No. 4 in the 1920s. Both of the top jars to these mills are threaded and marked with the cursive "Crystal" and No. 3 or No. 4 respectively in block print. The No. 4 also has the 12 sided or 12 paneled top jar as well as the 12 paneled bottom jar to go with it. Both the original bottom catch cups to the Crystal No. 3 and 4 are marked "Arcade Mfg Co. Freeport ILL 3 (or 4)." The original bottom catch cups for these two mills are very desirable and can sell for $200 or more by themselves.

There are many more differences and much more information about these two mills that will be added as time allows us. See our Previously Sold Mills for additional info as well.

Here is some important new information. We knew the Crystal No. 3's were made in five different colors: stock black finish, white & blue enamel; oxidized copper (green) and nickel plate. Other colors had been speculated about (especially red), but never substantiated UNTIL NOW. Thanks to Rick & Pam Bender, avid ACME members, who found a recent advertisement from ACME stating that the Arcade Crystal mills were "designed to harmonize with the color scheme of any kitchen, and are finished in white, blue, green, yellow and red." This wording is from ad for the Crystal No. 4, but it implies that it was the case for the No. 3 as well. Of course, now this sets off a whole different argument as to what shade of red was used. Some believe a darker maroon red (as used on some of their famous toys), some say a lighter red as in the 9010 mills, or even a bright cherry red.

If you want, you now officially can have a red Arcade Crystal mill; it is no longer "artistic license" to do so! We have had a few reports of early red Crystal mills, but have not been able to authenticate them until now.

We have had one report of a yellow mill from a reader of this site, and until now could not substantiate this either. Now we know. Apparently these were not very popular.

Below are pictures of the green & nickel plated mills. Note the picture of the green mill is a perfect example of a "marriage." Note the hopper is marked with the cursive "Crystal" but not the No. 3, so it is actually a hopper from a late No. 2 put together with the body of the Crystal No. 3.

You can clearly see the beautiful fleur-de-lis pattern on the metal body in this picture of a nickel plated No. 3 mill (the design first introduced with the later style No. 2s.)

 
Here are a couple pictures of the original catch cup for the Arcade Crystal No. 3 mill.

It's hard to see in the pictures, but there were at least two different styles of the No. 3 catch cup. The most common on, on the left, is numbered 2-8. The other style, on the right, is numbered 2-14 and also marked TABLESPOONS on the top. All No. 3 catch cups were marked as in the bottom picture, clearly showing the model no. 3 in the center.

Here is a unique Arcade catch cup compliments of ACME member Ed Austin:

Again, it's difficult to see from the pictures, but this is a genuine Arcade No. 3 catch cup that is "Coca-Cola green" in color. It is extremely rare; this is the only one we have ever seen like this. The picture below shows a regular catch cup on the left and this special green catch cup on the right.

Here are couple close ups of the hopper for the Crystal No. 3 & 4.

Here is a close-up of the No. 4. mill. It's kind of hard to see, but the metal body is 12 sided, along with the neck, hopper, catch cup holder and bell shaped catch cup pull and original bottom catch cup.

The No. 4 was available in black, white, blue & green enamel (a different color green than the No. 3 oxidized copper green). And now we know also available in red and yellow!

Below are a couple pictures of the original catch cup for the Arcade Crystal No. 4 mill.

The glass cup was 12 sided to match the rest of the mill. There were also the same two different styles for the No. 4 catch cup as there were with the No. 3. One was numbered 2-8 and the other numbered 2-14, both marked TABLESPOONS. They were both marked with the Arcade logo, as were the number 3's, but of course with the number 4 in the middle.

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