Posted 10 years ago
theoldboy
(1 item)
The item is 20" high with a 16 x 11" cook surface. The ash door is printed with the word "BEAUTY." The upper door says "LAUNDRY" and on the cook surface it says "No 9." I am wondering if this is a salesmen sample? Also who manufactured it and how would I find out how old it is. Thanks in advance.
They did have old "toy" stoves. Children actually cooked on them! Imagine! Now ours can't find their way home w/ out their I phones ;-(
Any company name anywhere? even on the bottom?
Di
No, I can't find a company name on it anywhere. On the under side of the cook surface on the left is printed "9L7"
Hiya Old Boy,
Well I don't know what it weighs but if it's over 20 lbs. it's doubtful it's a salesman sample. They just wouldn't have carried something that heavy door to door.
It does look like a laundry stove, used with a sad iron. There is probably a "backslash" that once went with it. 20" high stoves were not unusual in households and are often mistaken and toys & samples.
With these stoves more IS MORE, collectors want as much ornamental detail as possible. Also many were reproduced and out right fakes in the 60's - 70's and can fool easily.
Maybe contacting someone who restores these oldies would give you the info? Ask them how much it would cost and if the know the maker etc. They would have all the old books etc. to look it up with ease.
Please let us know if you find out anything, interesting ;)
Di
thanks for the follow up. I'll try what you suggest and let you know what I find out.
thanks again,
theoldboy
I believe what you have here is a vintage UMCO hand fed Laundry stove. The griddle handle and design on the feed door are certainly theirs. Probably late 1920's or later.
When you research this pay attention that your grate shaker is on the side. Some were on the front. That will make a difference in both date and value.
So far my research is leading me to the Wager stove Co. (1872-1902) out of Troy NY. In 1875 Troy and Albany manufacturers compiled a list of stove names so as to not duplicate between manufacturers. According to this partial list the "BEAUTY", as shown on the ash door, was manufactured by his company. I'm still searching for more information. If i learn anything new I'll keep you guys informed.
This is such a great site! It's full of very smart people that like to help folks with their collectables. I learn so much from the posting remarks and answers to questions. I had one of these stoves for years, mine has no marking on it designating laundry, but, it looks very similar. I never new its exact purpose. Thanks to you all, now I know