Larry and Carole Meeker

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Antique Patent Model / Sample Washer

Sales Archive

Round Wooden Toy Columbia Washer    When do you ever see these realistic and detailed mechanical toy washers anymore?  This  example came out of a large collection of ironing and laundry-related antiques that we purchased a few years ago.  There were several versions of the Columbia washer, this being the model with the round barrel-design tub.  Although many people refer to it as a salesman sample because it is so realistic, well-made, and almost replicates the style and design of many popular washing machines of the day, I believe that this was made as a toy and not a salesman sample.  Perhaps they were used as displays in shops, but I doubt this was actually carried around as a sample by a salesman.  In any case, it has great mechanical action with a horizontal and a vertical geared wheel on top operated by a lever which turns a 4-prong agitator inside the corrugated tub.  The back and forth action of the gearing turns the agitator first clockwise, then counter-clockwise, etc.  The tub has a diameter of about 11" and it stands just 11" from the bottom of the legs to the top of the barrel, not including the wheel.  In practice it probably did the job of cleaning Dolly's clothes just as well as Mom's full-size one did for the family laundry!         SOLD!

 

 

1862 Patent Model of Washing Machine by John Phelps  This idea for a washing machine was pretty involved and as noted by the design of the cabriole style legs probably not an idea that was developed out in the backcountry.  Pre Civil War patent models are harder to come buy than some of the later ones and so this example is kind of special.   I have not pulled the papers to read up on all of ideas this fellow had or where he was from, but I would bet that the furniture in his house had similar designed feet. ( Note that two of the feet do have some damage.)  This model has more moving parts than many similar ones do, and has one great idea that many lesser designs never dealt with.  Note at the bottom the rod that runs from the center to the outside leg with what appears to be a doughnut on it.  This was meant to allow the entire rocker device in the center to ride up and down, and to be kind of spring loaded if you will to generate more action as the rocker moved over the clothes during operation.   As can be seen in the pics the stepped washboards on the two ends were removable for either cleaning, or more likely for a genteel wash when the dainties were done.  There is a different design handle on each side allowing you a range of choices depending on what part of your body you were looking to work out on that early Monday morning as well..

In any case this piece is in very nice condition and measures approx 8" x 11".  It has its original tag, as well as the receiving tag, and a small brass plaque with the inventors name on it as well. This model will make a super piece to add to the collection or to the display of important laundry related devices.    SOLD! 

 

1871 Patent Model of Washboard    This idea for a washboard was granted to H. H. Bellows on May 30th 1871.  His better idea for this washday necessity in the late 1800's was to make the scrub face not only corrugated, but to have a "wave or convex / concave surface with a flat valley thus obtaining a more forcible friction." Or so he states in his write-up.   It is funny and interesting to note that by this period of time there were many other far more "advanced" ideas for washers being promoted, and that this idea seems to be a bit dated or backward, but then I suppose that I or we do not really know exactly what it was like living out in the woods or in the country back then, and just how far out of touch that last ten miles may have put you with news about the latest developments in washer technology.  As an example where I live the local paper here was just recently touting the the introduction of the coming of electricity here.    SOLD! 

 

1860 Patent Model of Yellow-ware / Bennington / Rockingham Washboard Here is a great example of a wonderful and graphic Patent Model of a Washboard.  You never see the full size ones and I guarantee you will never see this one again as it is a one of.     SOLD! 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Note:  We have more patent models / salesman samples and related antiques  for sale on our sister site www.patented-antiques.com.  Please take a look if interested.

Note:  To see more sales results we have had over the years visit the Past Sales Archives on our sister site www.Patented-Antiques.com

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