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Item description:For your consideration..For your consideration.For your consideration.For your consideration.
Up for your consideration is a remarkable, highly unusual piece of vintage commercial history sold as a two-piece paired lot. This pairing features a heavy-duty American Beauty adjustable automatic electric iron alongside its incredibly rare companion device, the Gemco "Iron-O-Meter" electric tester manufactured by the Gilson Electric Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois.
Historical Context & How It Works
The Gemco "Iron-O-Meter" was a specialized diagnostic tool used primarily during the 1930s to 1950s by department store appliance counters and hardware repair shops. It was designed so clerks could test new irons for temperature accuracy or allow customers to bring in their old irons to diagnose heating issues and encourage upgrades.
To operate the setup, the tester base plugs directly into a standard wall outlet via its integrated heavy cord, and the electric iron plugs directly into the receptacle built into the side of the metal tester housing. The iron is then set to its desired temperature and rested face-down onto the exposed copper thermal contact plate on top of the base. As the iron transfers heat into the plate, the front-facing analog gauge monitors the actual temperature rise from 150 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing a visual comparison against the iron's fabric dial settings.
Included Components & Specifications
The Tester Base: An industrial metal wedge-shaped housing with a copper thermal plate, a side-mounted power receptacle, a cloth-covered main power cord, and a beautiful Art Deco-styled front dial window marked "Gemco Iron-O-Meter - Gilson Electric Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill."
The Electric Iron: A classic vintage chrome-plated American Beauty electric iron complete with its adjustable automatic heat control dial lever, an ornate multi-color swirled composition handle, and its own cloth-covered power cord.
Condition & Testing Notes
Please examine the accompanying photographs for a detailed look at the physical condition of both vintage pieces.
The Iron: The American Beauty iron has been checked and is verified to be in working condition, heating up efficiently when powered. The chrome finish shows minor surface pitting and scuffs from honest historical use. The swirled handle shows typical cosmetic finish wear but remains rock solid.
The Tester Base: The internal mechanisms and the accuracy of the thermometer gauge have not been checked or tested. The metal housing shows a natural aged patina with minor scuffs. The heavy glass dial window is intact and the internal face remains highly legible. The cloth power cord exhibits some expected age-related wear but is structurally intact.
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