Washing machines have interesting history

By Terry Maurer, What's it Worth

It's a first in this week's What's It Worth. Two readers ask questions about nearly the same item -- an old washing machine. Each dates to the early 20th century. And we'll take a close look at a very tiny camera. In fact, it's the smallest camera ever produced. But, keep that quiet. It's for a spy!

Q. I purchased an electric washing machine made by Automatic Electric Washer Co. at an antique store. It's a 1912 -1920 Model 214c. If you could tell me a little about this and what's its value? I plugged it in and everything works. -- Shirley in Burbank

Q. This Western Electric Type ACS washing machine, with oak legs and a brass tub, has been in our family more than 40 years. It was made in 1913. What can you tell us about values? -- Rupert in Othello

A. This is the first time we've responded to two questions about the same type collectible. Both of these early washing machines have interesting histories; with some similarities.

Both of these machines date to the earliest days of powered washing machines for the home.

While steam-powered commercial washers first came to market in the 1850s, it wasn't until 1907-08 that home machines became available.

Let's deal with the 1913 Western Electric washer first.

It wouldn't be surprising if the name Western Electric sounds familiar.

Think telephone company.

Back in the day, Western Electric was the supplier of telephones and telephone parts for the fast-growing Bell Telephone Co. and Bell's chief rival of the late 1800s and early 1900s was Western Union.

Western Electric of Chicago was a creative, innovative firm. In 1913 it developed the high vacuum tube, which amplified sound carried by telephone cables and helped usher in the age of electronics. Scientists at the company later invented a loudspeaker, which eventually led to sound in the movies.

The company also was highly diversified and through its domestic products division distributed such goods as sewing machines, stoves, vacuum cleaners and washing machines.

Products in the line of household goods were made by other suppliers and sold under the Western Electric name. For a time, as much as 50 percent of the company's sales were domestic products.

This washing machine isn't too fancy but was a reliable model. We see them infrequently for sale at antique shows and the price is in the $150 to $300 range.

The fancier, and slightly later, Automatic Electric Washer Co. machine was made from at least 1913 up through the beginning of the Great Depression.

The company was headquartered in Newton, Iowa, and had a branch office and warehouse in Dallas. Marketed as "The copper washer with golden value," Automatic Electric's machines came in several sizes and models and were considered at the top of the industry.

In good working condition, they can bring as much as $500.

Q. This is the smallest camera I've ever seen. The brand name is Petal and it comes in a small wooden box. Can you tell me something of the background and value of this? -- JA in Kennewick.

A. This is a spy camera and it pre-dates James Bond.

The Petal Camera was originally made by the St. Peter Optical Co. starting in 1947. 007 didn't come on the scene until 1953.

Maybe Q gave him one of these -- it was state-of-the-art at the time.

By 1948 the Petal Kogaku Co. of Japan was making a round model That tiny camera is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the smallest nonmedical camera ever produced.

For our shutterbug readers, here are some technical specifications. The Petal has a fixed-focus 12mm f/5.6 lens. It uses a 25mm film disc held in a special cassette. It could take six pictures. The little tube mounted on top of the camera is the optical viewfinder.

Some of these cameras were fitted into pocket cigarette lighters by private eyes and other owners. The original price was $10.

For a very small item selling for very little money back then, Petal cameras have soared into big bucks today.

The least expensive we've seen was being sold for $700. They can run all the way up to $1,500, depending on mechanical condition of the camera and how many of the original accessories are in the wooden box. Those marked "Made In Occupied Japan" command a premium price.

w Terry Maurer, a Tri-Cities personal property appraiser and antique dealer, is a member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America. You may submit your antiques and collectible questions to What's It Worth by e-mail to whatsitworth@clearwire.net

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Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009

Washing machines have interesting history

By Terry Maurer, What's it Worth