This rare antique salesman's sample washing machine is beautifully crafted and has a wooden washtub with a galvanized metal washboard attached to the bottom. The hinged lid was made with a long slot at the center accommodating a metal rod fitted with a turned wooden handle at the top and a large wooden rocker agitator at the base. The design enables the user to employ an up-and-down plunging motion as well as a back-and-forth rocking motion when cleaning clothes. The wooden agitator features open slats that allow water to flow through, creating additional soapy bubbles as it moves through the water. The piece is outfitted with 4 simple legs. The design of the washing machine is quite similar to US Patent 411,494 issued to Edgar A. Egleston on September 24, 1889: https://patents.google.com/patent/US411494A/en?q=~patent%2fUS695552A
Both sides of the machine retain labels reading "Gasoline Stoves Repaired / WM. MORY, / Hardware, Paints, Wash -/ Tub Machines. Gasoline / Stoves, and all kinds of / Garden Hose. / Wire Screens made to / order, 222 Pike Street / Covington, Ky." with one side also having an applique consisting of two birds appearing to be passenger pigeons.
The washer comes with a hand-operated Horse Shoe Brand clothes wringer clamped to one side, a device patented on March 27, 1888. The wringer is printed with the words "RELIEF WRINGER / HORSE SHOE BRAND / CLOTHES WRINGER / WARRANTED FOR FAMILY USE". It also carries the AWC horseshoe trademark.
The washing machine is in very good condition with all its original components and has no repairs. The piece shows signs of age including scratches and areas of discoloration to the finish, including one void in the finish where a label or applique has fallen off the side at some point in the past. As this piece was intended for display, the legs are attached but not particularly sturdy. The wringer is securely attached and the handle turns but it should also be noted that a portion of the material on the left-hand side of the bottom roller is missing.
The piece stands 13.75" to the top of the handle and is 10" to the top edge of the body of the washer. It is 11.5" to the top of the wingnut on the wringer. The body of the washer is 5.5" wide and is 11" across as measured from the end of the handle to the other side of the washer. The piece is 14" from the tip of the handle to the end of the wingnut on the wringer.
This highly collectible late 19th century washing machine displays beautifully and would be a fantastic addition to a grouping of antique washing machines, salesman samples, or other mechanical primitives. An unusual and highly desirable piece!
Please note that due to the value of this piece, the washing machine will be fully insured and shipped with a signature required on delivery. Free local pickup is available - please message me for details.
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To see my complete collection of fine antiques and quality vintage pieces, please see the contents of my shop at BirneyCreek.etsy.com
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