General Information

Serial #

N/A

Part Number

1

Total Parts

1

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

NICKEL PLATED PRESSED METAL BASE, HOUSING & BREAD RACKS/ SYNTHETIC HANDLE GRIPS/ SYNTHETIC? BREAD RACK TURNING KNOBS

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

20.2 cm

Width

10.0 cm

Height

21.2 cm

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Domestic Technology

Category

Food processing

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

FITZGERALD

Country

United States of America

State/Province

Connecticut

City

Torrington

Context

Country

Unknown

State/Province

Unknown

Period

Unknown

Canada

Around the time when this toaster was produced, electricity was just beginning to enter Canadian homes. Prior to this, toasters and other electrical appliances were typically used in commercial settings, such as restaurants. Electrification of homes started initially through the introduction of lighting, leading to the development of some toaster cords that plugged into lightbulb sockets (Ref.1). In 1917, the two-prong system for electrical plugs was established and standardized across North America (Ref.1), and by the 1920s it became more affordable to bring electricity into the home. Between 1941-1951, the percentage of homes with electricity increased significantly, from 69.1% of homes, to 87.8%, with higher percentages in urban regions of the country (Ref. 2). To encourage further use of electricity in homes during low-peak hours, electric companies in Canada began to encourage use of electrical appliances. These companies targeted women in their marketing, promoting the benefits of appliances to reduce workload in the kitchen. Showrooms were set up across Canada by various electric manufacturers, inviting women to view various electrical appliances (Ref.1). As Canadians were introduced to the benefits of electricity in the kitchen, there was initially higher uptake of small electric appliances, such as toasters and irons, than the larger appliances. Between 1952-1960, the total number of toasters that were manufactured in Canada increased from 198,200 to 278,567 toasters total, or a total value of $1.2 million to $2.6 million (Ref.3). By 1931, 40% of homes across Canada owned a toaster (Ref.2).

Function

To toast one side of bread at a time. Can toast up to two slices of bread at once.

Technical

The Star-Rite Toaster, manufactured by Fitzgerald Manufacturing Co., is very decorative in nature. Floral patterns cover the base of the toaster, and the bread cages are geometric and intricate in nature, drawing from the art deco style (Ref.4). Stars are cut out of the metal, alluding to the company branding of Star-Rite products. The metal baskets that hold the toast are on each side of the toaster. There are pivot points in the center of these baskets, and they swivel outwards from one side, allowing for the user to pull out and twist the toast so that the other side can be toasted. While this made the process of flipping bread easier, it did still require that the user paid close attention to their bread as it toasted. This has led to many instances of burnt toast. This design flaw eventually led to the development of the pop-up toaster in 1919 (Ref.5).

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

MFR'S MARKS INCISED ON UNDERSIDE OF BASE READ: 'STAR ELECTRIC TOASTER/ PATENTED/ 105-115 VOLTS/ 550 W/MANUFACTURED BY/ FITZGERALD MFG. CO./ TORRINGTON, CONN./ 75000'/ RAISED WRITING ON HANDLE GRIPS READS: 'Star-Rite'

Missing

ELECTRICAL CORD From CA of 03/17/1994 by Tony Missio: Yes - missing cord

Finish

BASE, HOUSING & RACKS METAL WITH POLISHED NICKEL FINISH/ HANDLE GRIPS BROWN SYNTHETIC/ BREAD RACK KNOBS BLACK SYNTHETIC?

Decoration

SIX STAR-SHAPED CUT-OUTS ON TOP OF HOUSING/ DECORATIVE ENGRAVING ON FRONT & BACK OF BASE & SIDES & TOP OF HOUSING/ ABSTRACT DESIGN IN METAL GRILLWORK ON SIDES OF BREAD RACKS