Presto Model A409A Pressure Cooker, circa 1968

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Artifact Overview

The National Pressure Cooker Company introduced the first saucepan-style pressure cooker under the brand name "Presto" in 1939. Fueled by its popularity, the company -- eventually renamed National Presto Industries -- expanded and diversified while continuing to produce an ever-improving line of pressure cookers. In the 1960s and 1970s, distinctive styling by Mel Boldt and Associates helped set Presto pressure cookers apart from the competition.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Pressure cooker

Date Made

circa 1968

Creator Notes

Designed by Mel Boldt and Associates and made by National Presto Industries, Inc.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.438.15

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mel Boldt and Associates.

Material

Aluminum (Metal)
Porcelain enamel
Plastic
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard

Color

Yellow green
Black (Color)
Brown
Orange (Color)
Green

Dimensions

Length: 16 in
Height: 7 in
Width: 9.5 in

Inscriptions

on handle: PRESTO / NATIONAL PRESTO IND. INC. / EAU CLAIRE, WIS., U.S.A. / FOOD MINUTES / BEEF STEW 12 / CARROTS 3 /CHICKEN 15 / CUSTARD 3 / PORK CHOPS 12 / POT ROAST 35 / POTATO SOUP 5 / POTATOES 10 / SPARE RIBS 15 / SWISS STEAK 15 / 4 QT. - 3.785 LITERS MODEL A409A on bottom: PRESTO / PRESSURE / COOKER / MOD. A409A 0269 / NATIONAL PRESTO IND. INC. / EAU CLAIRE WIS., U.S.A. / U.S.S PATS. 2,218,188 - 2,297,378 / 2,627,997 AND FOREIGN PATENTS front and back of box: STOCK NO. PCP4 / PRESTO / PORCELAIN FINISH / Pressure Cooker / 4 QT. SIZE (AVOCADO) ends of box: STOCK NO. PCP4 / PRESTO / PORCELAIN FINISH / Pressure Cooker / (AVOCADO) / 4 QT. SIZE / NATIONAL PRESTO INDUSTRIES, INC., EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN 54701
Presto Model A409A Pressure Cooker, circa 1968