Toastmaster Toaster

Automatic single slice toaster, design shows the influence of the "skyscraper" Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. Rectangular body, chrome plated, with a single slot at top and fluted side panels, stacked base, 4 small plastic feet hidden behind metal base. Two black plastic tabs at narrow sides, one of which activates the toaster when pressed down; temperature-control dial near bottom. Power cord encased in a dark brown woven fabric. Surface scratches, underside pitted, food residues on inside wiring. Bottom has attached metal plate, embossed in sans serif: “MANUFACTURED BY MCGRAW ELECTRIC COMPANY/TOASTMASTER PRODUCTS DIVISION 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 –W. 600 – MO. K 884590 -MOD. 1A4”; side handle is embossed in sans serif: “TOASTMASTER”

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"

This model (1A4, single-slice automatic) is a later version of the first automatic pop-up toaster (introduced in 1926) and was produced between August 1934- August 1939. (see 1992.0338.19)

Maker is McGraw Electric Company, Toastmaster Products Division, c. 1912-present, though no longer manufacturing household appliances, and now known as McGraw-Edison.

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