| Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > This vintage glazed pottery figure, standing 5.5" tall, is known as Bennie the Baker, a whimsical pie bird, or more aptly termed as a "pie vent" was produced by the Cardinal China Company during the 1940s and 1950s era/
Designed to release steam during pie baking, this piece represents a cheerful baker complete with a chef's hat, apron, and playful detailing. Both the right hand and the mouth are pierced, making it functional for venting steam while also preventing pies from bubbling over during baking.
The back of the figure’s apron is embossed with the marking PAT PEND, indicating the design was awaiting patent approval during its production.
Cardinal China Company, based in Carteret, New Jersey, was renowned for creating such playful yet functional ceramic kitchenware, and Bennie the Baker stands as an excellent example of their mid-20th-century craftsmanship.
Venting charm, combining practicality with a whimsical aesthetic, this piece would have been both a useful kitchen tool and a delightful decorative accessory. Bennie the Baker remains highly collectible among vintage kitchenware enthusiasts, particularly those specializing in pie birds.
CONDITION REPORT ~ Offered, as discovered, not cleane or altered ~ Seemingly a well preserved example ~ No overt issues.
HISTORY of PIE BIRDS or VENTS
Pie birds, also known as pie vents, are small hollow ceramic or metal figures designed to release steam from a pie during baking. Their primary function is to prevent the pie filling from bubbling over by allowing steam to escape through the vent, ensuring a crisp and even crust while maintaining the pie’s structural integrity.
The use of pie vents dates back to the 18th century, with early versions made from clay or metal. These early vents were simple and utilitarian in design. However, by the 19th and 20th centuries, pie birds evolved into charming, whimsical figures, often resembling birds or other animals. The bird shape is thought to have been inspired by the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence, which mentions "four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie."
By the mid-20th century, pie birds had become a popular kitchen accessory, especially in North America and the United Kingdom. Companies such as the Cardinal China Company, Red Wing Pottery, and Wade Pottery produced a variety of designs, ranging from practical to highly decorative. Some pie birds featured anthropomorphic designs, such as chefs or bakers, adding a playful touch to their functionality.
Pie birds are placed in the center of a pie before baking, with their hollow body allowing steam to vent through the top. This prevents the crust from collapsing and helps the filling cook evenly. Beyond their functionality, pie birds became collectible items, prized for their unique designs and historical significance. Today, they are sought after by collectors of vintage kitchenware and ceramics, with certain designs commanding high prices in the antiques market.
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