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.
|
Return To
Museum
Last
updated on June 23, 2005
Copyright © 2000-2005 vibratormuseum.com,
all rights reserved.
|
|