Enterprise No 105 Restoration Project

We just finished up a total restoration project for a Gentlemen in Florida (named Lee) on his Enterprise No 105 Antique Coffee Mill that was used by the US Military back in 1898. The Mill's base was stamped with "U.S. Q-M D." (United States Quarter Master's Division). The rare and unique Mill is a great piece of American history.

The restoration project started in January after the holidays and was finished up at the end of February. The Mill came from an estate sale of a Gentlemen that collected Military historical pieces in California. The Mill was manufactured by Enterprise around 1898, the same time the United States was involved in the Spanish-American War. We suspect the Mill was used to grind coffee for soldiers at a Fort on the West or East coast.

We completed a total restoration project on this Mill and brought it back to the original design intent including painting the same colors, all the accents and details. This is truly a treasure and exceptional antique coffee mill.

We truly enjoyed working with Lee on this project !!

Chuck Kowalski

John Wright Vintage Coffee Mill Reconditioning Project "The Three Sisters"

We just completed two wonderful coffee mills reconditioning projects. Our family enjoys a good cup of coffee, it's been a tradition between Vicki and two of her (Sharryl and Robbi) sisters for many years. I enjoy sitting down and talking over their favorite cup of coffee. So to make a great cup of coffee, the burr grinding of a antique coffee mill is the best way to go, nothing better than making a true cup of coffee.....

We picked up a couple un-restored small John Wright Mills to make a matching set that I call "The Three Sisters". For the project, we wanted to create unique coffee mill for each of them and a fully functional mill in order to grind fresh coffee beans. The John Wright Mills are excellent small kitchen counter top mills that don't take up much room. In addition, they we great decorative pieces of American history. Each Sister has individual taste in color and decor. Sharryl's favorite color is red and Robbi prefers more of the neutral colors. Robbi and Roger also travel in their RV, so we need to match not only their home kitchen, but also the RV. What better than having a fresh cup of coffee with a lake or mountain view in the morning !!

For the Mills, we went through our process for a full reconditioning to make the Mills new again. The project included striping the old paint with electrolysis, sand blasting the cast iron with fine grit media, painting the Mills, custom wood working for the bases, catch drawers and handles. In addition, Vicki hand painted the trim and accents to create a beautiful vintage Coffee Mill.

This was an enjoyable project, each sister have their own Mill and can pass it on as a heirloom to their daughter's someday...

The the left is Robbi's and Roger's., Vicki's in the center and Sharryl's on the right.

Reconditioning and Restoration completed by usacraftsman.com

Thanks for your time,
Chuck Kowalski