Jabez Burns & Sons
February 20, 2011
I was able to track down some old coffee equipment manufactured by Jabez Burns & Sons. The large picture above of a cup testing outfit is from Chapter 24 in All About Coffee. The other photos below it I took while touring the Dallis Brothers Roastery in Queens, New York courtesy of Byron Holcomb. This turn of the century equipment is made from solid cast iron and granite, amazing quality, just Hear the sound that table makes!
Exploring biographical information on William Ukers, author of All About Coffee, revealed a connection with Jabez Burns early on in Ukers writing career. I was thrilled to find some JB&S equipment in use at the Dallis Brothers Roastery and I imagine that there may be more old coffee equipment hiding in Queens, Brooklyn, and the surrounding area since New York City has had a long history with the coffee trade. The complete story of New York coffee is scattered through out the book, but well worth digging for.
All About Coffee 
September 8, 2011 at 6:02 pm
I have a Jabez Burns thing that looks like the double thing next to the window except mine is a single. Is that just for heating up the water in the cupping room?
September 8, 2011 at 11:37 pm
I am not sure about what it actually is, this b/w photo is from the book “all about coffee” that is great though that you found that piece of equipment!
October 30, 2011 at 3:30 pm
I am also wondering what the brass kettle warmer is located under othe window in the photo. I have one nearly identical/
October 31, 2011 at 4:08 am
My guess is that it is highly likely for heating water for cupping. I can’t find any more information than this photo.
October 31, 2011 at 1:56 pm
THankyou.
August 11, 2012 at 4:18 pm
I saw a Jabez Burns kettle on Worthpoint that was sold on eBay sometime recently. Sorry I missed it!
There is also a Jabez Burns coffee grinder like the one on pictured below the old photo for sale now on eBay.