vintage universal landers frary clark stove

Releasing the button swings the cage back against the toaster. The toaster cooks two slices at a time in cages that swivel out with the touch of the raised buttons at the base, one button for each side of the contraption. This toaster not only exhibits an eye-catching design but also incorporates clever mechanics. As early as 1917 Landers Frary & Clark appealed directly to female consumers and advertised that “The complete independence of the hostess in preparing meals directly at the table is one of the chief charms of this modern method of electrical table service.” As American households were less dependent on servants for housework, food preparation, and hostess duties, an expanding market of electrical appliances eased work for the homemaker. Therefore the toaster became an attractive addition to the kitchen as well as to the dining table at the time of a meal. The delicate design of this metal casing helped to shield the industrial nature of the electrical heating element behind it. Fondly called the “Sweetheart,” the toaster has a feminine appeal with its earring-like handles, diamond-shaped body, and floral and arabesque decoration. This “Universal” toaster model E9410 was patented in 1929.

In the early 1920s the company claimed that six out of every ten households in America had at least one “Universal” product. These new products added to the company’s line of household products that they had marketed since the 1890s under the trade name “Universal,” suggesting the broad appeal of the wares. Landers Frary & Clark was one of the first American companies to manufacture electrical home appliances: in 1908 they introduced an electric coffee percolator and 1912 saw the release of an electric iron.

Vintage universal landers frary clark stove