Washing Machine
Production date
Circa 1900
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Object detail
Accession number
1970.270
Production period
Description
Old washing machine, still in working order. The unit consists of a large red open drum mounted on springs between solid cast iron legs, the lid on top is hinged and has a single black plastic handle, however the lid is broken. The cast iron frame is painted white has a grated section towards the top with the numbers '1900' inlaid. Below is an electric motor, but if the date 1900 that appears on this machine is accurate, then the electric motor was almost certainly added later. Mounted on top of the cast iron stand is a wooden wringer with clamps and rollers. There are two metal tightening cranks on top of the wringer. There are two white rubber mangles in the centre of the wringer.
Brief History
Two early versions of a manual washing machine were patented in America in the 1850s. These basic washing machines consisted of boxes or barrels containing a hand-powered rotary chamber, but they needed electricity to become properly mechanised. The first electric washing machines became available in the United States in the first decade of the 1900s.
Most New Zealand cities and towns had electricity available by 1920 but it was expensive, so power was mainly used for lighting. In the 1930s electricity became cheaper and electric hot water cylinders and appliances such as washing machines were available. Their expense meant that the number of households where they were used was limited. Over time, however, the price came down and by 1956 over half of New Zealand households had an electric washing machine.
Most New Zealand cities and towns had electricity available by 1920 but it was expensive, so power was mainly used for lighting. In the 1930s electricity became cheaper and electric hot water cylinders and appliances such as washing machines were available. Their expense meant that the number of households where they were used was limited. Over time, however, the price came down and by 1956 over half of New Zealand households had an electric washing machine.
Marks
Presented by C. T. Hassan Inscribed
XX1981PW / 1900 Printed
XX1981PW / 1900 Printed
XX1981PW / 1900 Printed
XX1981PW / 1900 Printed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Circa 1900. Washing Machine, 1970.270. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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