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Early Universal electric toaster manufactured by Landers, Frary & Clark of New Britain, Connecticut, U.S.A. The underside is clearly marked “UNIVERSAL,” “Landers Frary & Clark,” and model “No. E946.”
The Universal E946 dates to the 1910s era; museum collections document this model from approximately this period, and period advertising confirms the E946 was being marketed by 1919.
This early electric toaster predates modern automatic pop-up designs. It features an exposed heating-element assembly with hinged metal bread racks on the sides. The racks open outward to load and manipulate the bread during toasting.
Details:
- Manufacturer: Landers, Frary & Clark
- Brand: Universal
- Model: E946
- Country of manufacture: USA
- Location marked: New Britain, Connecticut
- Era: Circa 1910s
- Type: Manual electric toaster
- Construction: Nickel-plated metal
- Two hinged bread/toasting racks
- Black insulating knobs
- Exposed heating-element design
- Includes vintage detachable cloth-covered electrical cord
- Approx. 7¼" wide × 3¾" deep × 6½–7" tall
- Numerous patent dates and information stamped into underside
The toaster has not been electrically tested. Due to the age of both the appliance and cord, it is being offered as a collectible/display piece rather than represented as safe for modern electrical use.
A great example of early American electrical-appliance design and an interesting collectible for a vintage kitchen, toaster, advertising, industrial-design or early electrical-appliance collection.
