Rare 1910-20s Ward’s Lime Crush Syrup Dispenser

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In 1911, chemist Neil C. Ward perfected a drink syrup blending process that had earlier been created by J. M. … Read more In 1911, chemist Neil C. Ward perfected a drink syrup blending process that had earlier been created by J. M. Thompson. The “crush” came from his extraction of the oils from the citrus fruit peels. In 1916, he joined forces with Clayton Howell, who had previously owned another successful orange drink called Howell's Orange Julep. With Howell's experience and Ward's perfected formula they formed a partnership, resulting in the establishment of the Orange Crush Company, but they marketed the drink as "Ward's Orange Crush" and distinguished itself with a distinct citrus flavor. They later developed lemon and lime syrups also, as attested to this listing for the sale of a Ward’s Lime Crush drink syrup dispenser.

This sought-after Lime Crush dispenser measures 12 ½” tall to the top of the brass pump, 9 ½” wide, and 7 ½” deep. Without the drink pump, the porcelain canister is 8 ¾” tall. The piece is in excellent condition considering this was a commercial piece on a general or drug store countertop. Around the outside lip of the piece is written "Design Patent Pending." There is a little bit of paint loss and one place on the bottom that has a rough place, but not as deep as a chip. There is also a dark line in the porcelain on the bottom; it is not a crack, only a streak in the porcelain itself. I was only able to find one other Ward’s syrup dispenser that had this type of pump; all of the others had a handle with a porcelain knob instead of the pump; the pump fits loosely at the mouth of the canister. The brass on the pump has oxidized a bit and shows some verdigris. The porcelain “button” on the top of the pump is still shiny with no cracks or chips. Since we have no way of knowing how to sterilize the pump, this wonderful piece is being sold for collector/decorative purposes only and not for personal or commercial dispensing of drinks. The piece is quite substantial, weighing 8 lbs 6 oz.

This would be a wonderful addition to your Orange Crush or advertising collection or as a stand-alone time piece.

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