September 27th. Almost October. Enough time for one more toaster. One more toaster before October. Just to keep our bread warm.
This is a pre-1920 Beardsley & Wolcott toaster. It's a somewhat unusual design in that the toast drops in the top and then falls out the bottom once toasted. One slice only.
It's ornate design is a giveaway that it's a very early toaster. They were considered a luxury.
The timer is a clockwork mechanism and controls how long the flap that holds the toast in place stays closed.
Someone initialed the bottom "H.R." I'm not sure if the owner did that or if it was possibly a factory inspector.
The results are a little uneven as the bread lies closer to one side than the other.
And if you puzzled at my introduction at the top, it's a play on the opening of "The Fog". Just to get us in the mood. Stay tuned for the Countdown to Halloween starting in a scant 3 days!
wow, that's a beautiful toaster! too bad it takes all morning to feed the family for breakfast at one slice per go.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful toaster and great piece of history. It seems like a lot of metal and effort for a single piece of toast, but I think there's something to the idea of slower living and savoring things, rather than rushing, rushing, rushing all the time. .... By the way, my son and I recently watched The Fog for the first time and enjoyed it. I read that Houseman's iconic intro was added later because the movie was too short and they refused to release it at such a short length so Carpenter went back and added material, including Houseman's monologue. I can't imagine the film without it. ... Looking toward to your Halloween posts!
ReplyDeletei forgot to watch the clip! i haven't seen that movie in ages, but i remember loving it. "Sleep well, kids!"
DeleteI just recently read that as well, Chris (about Houseman's segment). I can't imagine the movie without it. One of the best modern horror openers in my opinion.
DeleteWell that is a little uneven but it is a stunning toaster. Very elegant. It is amazing that it still works. These days, we are lucky to get 20 years out of a toaster.
ReplyDeleteAs to the writing on it the word "torrid" is found on some other Beardsley Wolcott products. I'm not sure what is is in reference to but it seems to fit.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be a product line.
ReplyDelete