Waters-Genter Company "Toastmaster Model 1A1 Toaster," 1929-1930

Summary

The first automatic pop-up toasters, patented by Charles Strite and manufactured by the Waters-Genter Company in 1921, were sold commercially to hotels and restaurants. Later, in 1926, the company introduced the first model for home use. The toaster automatically turned off after the bread was browned (on both sides simultaneously!) Then it popped up the toast, freeing toast lovers from watching, turning, and burning sliced bread.

The first automatic pop-up toasters, patented by Charles Strite and manufactured by the Waters-Genter Company in 1921, were sold commercially to hotels and restaurants. Later, in 1926, the company introduced the first model for home use. The toaster automatically turned off after the bread was browned (on both sides simultaneously!) Then it popped up the toast, freeing toast lovers from watching, turning, and burning sliced bread.

Artifact

Electric toaster

Date Made

1929-1930

Creators

Strite, Charles C. 

Waters-Genter Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis 

Creator Notes

Designed by Charles C. Strite for the Waters-Genter Co. of Minneapolis, MN

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2008.120.81

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Plastic
Rubber (Material)

Technique

Plating (Metal coating)

Color

Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 7.375 in

Width: 10.125 in

Length: 4.75 in

Inscriptions

plate on side: AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC TOASTER / U.S. PATENTS 1,387,670 - 1,6,76,257. OTHERS PEND. / THE TOASTMASTER MODEL 1-A-1 / V 110 / W 600 / NO. 371729 / WATERS-GENTER CO / MINNEAPOLIS USA scratched on bottom: 37309

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