Toastmaster Two-Slice Electric Toaster
Toastmaster Two-Slice Electric Toaster
Previous
Next
Usage conditions apply
- Description
- Part of a nine-piece “Toastmaster Hospitality” set (1989.0308.01-.09). Electric two-slice pop-up toaster, design shows the influence of the "skyscraper" Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. Chrome-plated metal. Block form, architectural, streamlined, with fluted sides and two flat, plastic handles, one on either side, black molded plastic. One handle activates the toaster when pressed down and is embossed: “TOASTMASTER”. Molded plastic temperature knob, metal is engraved: “LIGHT/DARK”. Base is molded, stacked, four hidden plastic feet, black. Fabric covered power cord attached, black and white, black molded plastic plug, two-pronged, embossed: “BELDEN/1,858,196 PAT. NO’S 1,858,197”. Sticker attached to underside with cleaning instructions. Small metal tag attached to underside, embossed: “MANUFACTURED BY McGRAW ELECTRIC COMPANY/WATERS-GENTER DIV., MPLS., MINN., U.S.A./U.S. PAT. 1,698,146 1,387,670 1,394,450 1,676,257 1,866,808/R.E. 18923 OTHERS PENDING/V-110 A-10-NO. B-449066-MOD. 1B5”. Tape residue on two spots on metal body, otherwise pristine condition, appears unused. Original box and packing material included (see 1989.0308.10)
- Patents:
- 1,698,146: January 8, 1929, Charles P. Strite, for “Bread toaster”
- 1,387,670: August 16, 1921, Charles P. Strite, for “Bread-toaster”
- 1,394,450: October 18, 1921, Charles P. Strite, for “Bread-toaster”
- 1,676,257: May 19, 1926, Thomas C. Forbes, for “Electric switch”
- 1,866,808: March 19, 1930, Murray Ireland, for "Toaster"
- 1,858,196: May 10, 1932, Hugo H. Wermine, assignor to Belden Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Illinois, for “Electric plug connecter”
- 1,858,197: May 10, 1932, Hugo H. Wermine, assignor to Belden Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Illinois, for “Electric plug connecter”
- The set includes a toast cutter, serving tray, and six matching dishes.
- This model (1B5, Two-slice) was produced July 1934- June 1936. Based on the serial number, this particular toaster was produced July 1935- June 1936. The two-slice Toastmaster was introduced in August 1930.
- Maker is McGraw Electric Company, Toastmaster Products Division, c. 1912-present, though no longer manufacturing household appliances, and now known as McGraw-Edison.
- Object Name
- toaster
- date made
- 1935- 1936
- maker
- McGraw Electric Co.
- place made
- United States: Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- plastic (overall material)
- fabric (cord material)
- Measurements
- toaster with electric cord: 7 in x 9 1/4 in x 15 in; 17.78 cm x 23.495 cm x 38.1 cm
- shipping box: 10 in x 16 7/16 in x 24 7/16 in; 25.4 cm x 41.75125 cm x 62.07125 cm
- ID Number
- 1989.0308.01
- catalog number
- 1989.0308.01
- accession number
- 1989.0308
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Domestic Life
- Domestic Furnishings
- Exhibition
- Art in Industry
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.
Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.
