Electric Vibrators

Electromechanical vibrators were first used in medicine in 1878 and were available as a consumer product by 1900. The vibrator was the 5th home appliance to be electrified. It was preceded by the sewing machine, fan, teakettle, and the toaster. It would be another ten years before the electric vacuum, iron, and frying pan became available as consumer products.

Electric vibrators powered by A.C. electric power are by far the most common vintage vibrators to be found. About 80% of my collection fall into this category and I have many interesting examples yet to be added to this site.

I have been trying to decide how to organize the collection for display. Initially I am trying to present a timeline of styling from 1900 to the present day. After the basic timeline is established I will work on timelines for the major manufactures.

Click on an image to see more detail.

Barker Universal Portable Vibrator

The Barker Universal Portable Vibrator, serial number 18019. This one was manufactured abound 1906 by James Baker, Inc., Sixth and Cayuga Sts., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Try-New-Life

The Try-New-Life is a name variant used by Hamilton Beach. The Try-New-Life name was used on several Hamilton Beach models, this one is based on the Type C. I believe this one dates from the 1920's. Manufactured by the Hamilton-Beach Manufacturing company, Racine, Wisconsin, USA.

Gyro-Lator

I know very little about this one. It's GYRO-LATOR serial no. 2349 Manufactured by the GYRO-LATOR division of an unknown company in Chicago Illinois.

Vibro-Electra

The Vibro-Electra massage unit is British made and I am guessing it to date from the 1930's. Runs on A.C.200/50 Volts.

Bronze Figural

I don't know much about this one. I Have not been able to date it yet and figure it could date any where from the 1920's to the 1960's. Manufactured by. TIAN RAIN ENTERPRISE. LTD

Rolex 3 minute masseur

The "Rolex 3 minute masseur" is a high end home vibrator from the mid 1930's. It sold in Department Stores and Specialty Shops. Power required is 110 Volts A.C. Manufactured by Weston Schramm Manufacturing Co. New York, New York, USA

Gilbert No.12 Golden-Glo Vitalator

The 24 kt. gold-plated No.12 Golden-Glo Vitalator was Gilbert's top of the line model in the mid fifties and sold for $24.95. Power required is 30 Watts, 115 Volts A.C. or D.C., Manufactured by A.C. Gilbert Co., New Haven, Conn., USA

Miracle Ball-Grip Massager

It's the Miracle Ball-Grip Massager Model No 140A. My best guess is that it dates from the 1950's. Power is 120 Volt A.C. Only. Manufactured by the Miracle Electric Company, Chicago, Illinois, USA.