What Is It? February 2021

We had several correct guesses for our February’s What Is It!

   Congratulations to Dennis Dahl, Denver, Colorado; Terry Cook, Ft. Morgan, Colorado, who says, “This is a dropside toaster from the 1920s to 1930s. I believe it is electric even though no cord is visible. Sometimes you can see one in a table scene in an old movie;” Jerome McLaren of Conifer, Colorado says, “It is a 1929 Universal brand antique art deco double-sided flipping toaster;” Jacque Rutledge, Northglenn, Colorado; Elsie Claire Loyle, Wichita, Kansas; Jonah Maziarz of Denver, Colorado, who says, “This is an electric toaster made more than 100 years ago. The heating element is in the center of the appliance. The two outer frames, held the bread and were automatically turned by pushing the corresponding button. These buttons are located on the lower left;” William McLaren of Anchorage, Alaska, tells us, “This item is an early electric toaster made by Landers, Frary & Clark of New Britain, Connecticut under their trade name “Universal,” designated Universal Model E9410. Its design was patented in 1929. The model was known fondly by collectors as the “Sweetheart.” Considered advanced for its time, the Sweetheart was attractive in design and included some clever features. It cooks two slices at a time in a swiveling cage, controlled by two buttons by the base which enable the toasting of both sides of each slice. The unit also boasts a nickel-plated body embossed with classical motifs and feet, buttons and handles of ivory-colored bakelite;” Jeannie Reynolds, Nederland, Colorado; Michele Pontious, Belleair, Florida; and Vicky Kellan of Castle Pines, Colorado.

   Thank you all for guessing our March’s What Is ti. You have added so much to the contest! And, you have all won a year’s subscription to the Mountain States Collector!