"American Beauty" Iron

Description:

Model 79AB, 1000W, 110-120V (AC only) clothes or laundry iron for domestic use. Chrome-plated, streamlined body has a forward-leaning, black Bakelite handle with red Lucite grip; handle front is set back from the pointed toe, while spurred back doubles as a heel rest. Thermostat control (fabric selector dial) and encased thermometer are below handle; both black with white markings. Brown, red, and yellow cloth-covered cord with 2-prong, bell-shape, brown plastic plug attached at back right of handle; black rubber tubing at attachment. No box.

Thermometer and handle back both marked "American / Beauty." Identification plate on heel underside stamped: "AMERICAN BEAUTY / CA. NO. 79AB. VOLTS 110-120 WATTS1000 / A.C. ONLY / AMERICAN ELECTRICAL HEATER CO. / DETROIT, U.S.A. / PAT. NO’S. / DES.121163 / ” 121164 / RE.22048 / 1916671 / PAT. NO’S. / 2256147 / 2270316 / 2300230 / 2328152 / TO REMOVE / CONTROL LEVER OR TERM. BOX COVER / PRY OFF / 8412".

U.S. Design Patents:

- 121163, June 25, 1940, Frank Kuhn, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Laurence H. Thomas, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for “a laundry iron”

- 121164, June 25, 1940, Frank Kuhn, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Laurence H. Thomas, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for “a handle for laundry iron or the like”

- RE.22048, March 10, 1942, Frank Kuhn, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Laurence H. Thomas, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for “Electric iron”

U.S. Mechanical Patents:

- 1916671, July 4, 1933, Charles A. Hanser, Erwin A. Lockwood, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for “Thermostat”

- 2256147, Sept. 16, 1941, Frank Kuhn, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Laurence H. Thomas, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for “Handle”

- 2270316, Jan. 20, 1942, Frank Kuhn, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Laurence H. Thomas, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for "finish for working of laundry irons and the like" (sole plate)

- 2300230, Oct. 27, 1942, Frank Kuhn and Laurence H. Thomas, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for “Thermometer unit for electric irons”

- 2328152, Aug. 31, 1943, Frank Kuhn and Laurence H. Thomas, assignors to American Electrical Heater Company, Detroit, Michigan, for "Thermostatic unit and connections for electric irons"

Date made per phone conversation with manufacturer (in 1988).

Date Made: 1947 - 1956

Maker: American Electrical Heater Co.

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Michigan, Detroit

Subject: Household Tools and EquipmentLaundryPatented

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Domestic Life

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1987.0673.1Accession Number: 1987.0673Catalog Number: 1987.0673.01

Object Name: flatiron, electric

Physical Description: steel, chrome-plated (body material)steel, stainless (sole material)plastic (Bakelite) (handle; thermostat knob material)plastic (Lucite) (handle center; thermometer cover material)rubber (cord material)cloth (cord material)Measurements: overall: 4 7/8 in x 4 5/8 in x 9 1/4 in; 12.3825 cm x 11.7475 cm x 23.495 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-4be0-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_324248

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