The 'Universal' washing machine and wringer was made by Landers, Frary and Clark of New Britain, Connecticut, USA.

The washing machine was purchased c. 1929, probably from a Department Store in Sydney

The donor's father purchased the washing machine for his mother c. 1929-1930 for approximately Â?20. (The catalogue however prices the machine at Â?30.) At the time of the purchase she had hand washed for a family of nine in wooden tubs on a washboard with a big mangle on a cast iron stand. The donor's father thought she was tired so bought her the 'Universal'. It was thought (by the donor) to have been purchased from a department store, Anthony Horderns or Grace Bros and brought to the house in a horse and cart from Wahroonga train station. 'The machine revolutionised her life.... we all stood around and watched it'. The machine saw heavy use in the house in Wahroonga and later when they moved to Redfern. The mother complained it was getting shabby and the donor's father probably repainted it around World War II. The washing machine ws replaced by another c 1946 but it was still working and remained in the laundry. In 1975, with the death of his father, the donor's family divided the contents of the house. The donor's two brother-in-laws were going to take it to the tip but the donor retrieved it because he saw it 'as part of my emotional life'. (Interview with the donor December 13th 1983.)
The washing machine was purchased c.1929-1930 in Sydney. It was replaced by a new machine in c. 1946. It was owned by the donor's family until acquired by the Powerhouse Museum in 1983.

Washing machine, 'Universal', agitator type, with wringer, metal, Landers, Frary & Clark, USA, c. 1929.

'Universal' domestic electric agitator type washing machine and electric wringer.

Washing machine consists of a copper drum, supported on three legs of pressed iron sheeting which are attached to a ring around the base of the tub, extending up the sides to a ring band around the rim of the tub. Three shaft supports to the legs above bases are supported on castors. The tub is painted light green and over painted in reddish brown, the interior is lined with nickel. The motor is attached below the tub, with separate switch caseing, hand spring lever and drainage cock. A rubber coated electric cord extends from the switch casing. A galvanised oscillating disc with four raised ridges, positioned at centre base inside the drum with copper tube above with galvanised screw top for removal. The electric wringer is positioned horizontally above the tub, swings on a side shaft, which extends to the motor below. Tinned iron feeder trays either side of two [rubber] rollers. The tension is maintained by an arched strip of iron above the rollers, with central wing nut on vertical threaded shaft used to apply pressure.

Made: Landers, Frary and Clark; Connecticut, USA; 1929 - 1930

Used: Sydney

Owned: Sydney

Manufacturer and instruction information on switch casing, enamelled metal label SENTINEL BREAKER / PATENT APPLD. FOR / UNIVERSAL / STYLE 572873 / 4 AMP. 125-250 VOLTS / LANDERS, FRARY & CLARK / NEW BRITAIN, CONN. MADE IN U.S.A. / TO START MOTOR / IF HANDLE IS [HERE] MOVE HANDLE / OFF AND THEN ON'.

Manufacturer on side of tub, gold black and white transfer 'UNIVERSAL/ L F & C'

K325-1

1929 - 1930

1130 mm

670 mm