Around the turn of the nineteenth century, soda fountains began to serve ice cream sundaes, which required some type of utensil to scoop the frosty delicacy into dishes.

Inventors came up with a wide variety of unique ideas for serving ice cream. According to ‘The Morning Call’ newspaper, the US Patent and Trademark Office issued 241 patents for ice cream dippers or scoops between 1878 and 1940. WOW – Americans LOVE their ice cream!

Conical Key Scoops

Conical key scoop

Prior to the invention of the ice cream scoop, soda fountain employees had to use two spoons or ladles to scoop the ice cream and then transfer it from the spoon to the dish. This was a messy process that wasted product.

In 1878, George William Clewell invented the first device that would dispense ice cream using a single utensil. A key at the end of the cone was turned to move a scraper around the interior of the cone and release the ice cream.

These key scoops are a popular collector's item, particularly with soda fountain enthusiasts. You can find them on eBay, at auctions and estate sales, and at antique stores. Manufacturers include Gilchrist, Williamson, Erie Specialty Company, Clad Metal, and many others, and prices start around $30. Unique key shapes, condition, age, and origin can affect the scoop's value.

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