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CLOTHES WASHER
CLOTHES WASHER

CLOTHES WASHER

Datecirca 1933
Dimensions121 x 58.5 cm (47 5/8 x 23 1/16 in.) Other (Lid): 52 cm (20 1/2 in.)
Object numberHF.2015.19.233a-b
DescriptionA standing clothing washer, wringer machine. The top has a twist handle above two rollers/wringers. To the left is a silver crank handle with which to move the rollers. Underneath is a downward tilted tray which extends to the front and back. A large circular metal lid (.b) fits over the drum. The drum is copper on the exterior with a faded crest-shaped label at the center-front which has "Beatty Bros Limited Beatty Easier To Operate (???)res Faster - East(? ??)nter Fergu, Ont. Canada" and on the right side in raised letters is "Water Line". The interior of the drum is silver with a central metal column (33cm) attached to a flat circular metal base with three vertical metal paddles. A star shaped drain is present to the center-right at the drum's base. A motor is located at the base of the drum. A grey metal "L" shaped arm extends from the motor to the crank handle with "Patented 1933" in raised letters. A spout is present on the right side of the drum's base. A black electrical cord with a 2-pin plug extends from the base of the drum and is wrapped in a bundle with yellowed tape. Four metal legs extend from the sides of the drum to the ground, each ending in a small wheel.
Narrative
Beatty Bros. Limited was established in 1874 by brothers George and Matthew Beatty. Based out of Fergus, Ontario, the company mainly produced farm implements prior to the 1920s including reapers, mowers, straw cutters, land rollers and plows. In 1927, Beatty Bros Ltd. was the first to produce electric washing machines with agitators, such as this. This innovation allowed for greater capacity than any other appliance on the market while also reducing the time spent on handwashing.

By 1939, Beatty Bros. had factories in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand. In 1969, the company amalgamated with General Steel Wares, becoming GSW Limited.
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