An authentic piece of mid-century French kitchenalia, this manual Légumex hand-cranked vegetable peeler is finished in a striking, original duck egg blue enamel. Made in France during the 1950s, this clever mechanical gadget features its original riveted badge reading "Légumex – Marque et Modèle Déposés – Made in France – Breveté dans le monde entier".
Invented in 1953 by Jean Mantelet—the visionary founder of Moulinex who also created the famous Moulin à légumes—the Légumex was designed to friction-peel small root vegetables and shell peas using internal rotating comb arms, making it a fantastic example of post-war European industrial design and French culinary history.
Measuring 28 cm in height, 37 cm in length, and 23 cm in diameter, with a total weight of 2 kg, this is a substantial and tactile display piece.
Condition: The main crank shaft moves freely, turning the internal gear assembly, and the main casing body opens and closes properly. There is movement in the latch but it is quite stiff from age. Cosmically, it features lovely authentic patinated wear throughout, including honest surface rust, chips, and flaking to the painted finish, along with light crazing on the original top knob, which is also removable. The duck egg blue color remains bright and visually appealing. Due to age, historical wear, and internal oxidisation, this piece is offered strictly as a decorative accessory and prop rather than a functional kitchen utensil.
This piece would suit a rustic farmhouse kitchen, French country pantry, or vintage culinary shelf display. Its bold sculptural shape and pop of classic duck egg blue enamel make it a great display prop for food stylists or vintage kitchenware collections.