1950s Kenmore gas dryer - confusion!

[LadySilence]

Hello,
I just acquired a 1950s? Kenmore dryer. I can't figure out how old it is from the serial number/model number, and am VERY confused by the sticker inside the door that says "Only dry clothes washed in water, and clean the lint screen after every load", Since I can't find any sign of a lint screen!

This seems to be the premier/only place online where anyone knows anything about vintage dryers. Can you guys help me out? I'm trying to figure out how old it is, and whether there really is a lint screen somewhere that needs cleaned. The guy I got it from says he could never find one! I don't have any pictures of it yet.

The control panel is on the back, but nearly flat instead of upright. It's got two dials - one on the far left for Dryer temp, with settings for "warm" "low" and "hot", but the dial can point anywhere in between, and one on the far right that's a timer, goes up to 50 mins. The "Kenmore Automatic Dryer" label is between the dials, and the panel is goldish? I'm hoping one of you has one of these and can tell me about it!

model 1105707401
Serial # M502673

Thanks,
~Kari

 

[appnut]

I'm guessing it's a 1957 model based upon description and the goldish panel color.

 

[vintagekitchen]

2 areas to check

I seem to remember seeing a dryer on the site once which had a flat lint filter, that looked sort of like a small window screen, which slid into slots over the rear exhaust.

Also some older dryers have a sort of kickplate or tray underneath with a flat lint filter which slides in there.

Past that, I'm stumped, but some of the more knowledgeable members should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[akronman]

pictures

would help

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Kari -

Kevin is a smart man! Some early Kenmore dryers did indeed have back or rear mounted lint screens.

Your dryer is a 1957 model. It is an entry level 400 series. Back in those days Sears offered series levels of 400, 500, 60/600, 70/700, and 80/800, and the Lady Kenmore started this year, which until 1964 was either an 800 or 900.

There may have been a dryer under yours in the line-up, its hard to tell because my source (Sears parts direct's website) doesn't have models from the 1950s, they seems to start around 1960. I do know however that the basic 400 series machine from 1961 sounds very similar to yours --- basic heat/air switch, and one timed cycle --- and it is indeed included in Sears' parts site. I suspected that it has a rear-mounted lint screen, and sure enough, I pulled up the parts diagram and it shows a lint screen mounted on the rear cabinet in between the cabinet wall and the exhaust duct. If the '57 is anything like the '61, check the back where the exhaust duct is, your lint screen may be mounted in a box back there. Mark is right too...pictures will help us if you still have questions.

Good luck Kari with the dryer, it sounds like it found a good home!! I hope we've been helpful.

Gordon

p.s. - the model number for the 1961 400 series that I looked at is 110.6107400.

 

[appnut]

Kari, a neighbor has a 1957 "frog-eye" control panel version of your dryer--including it being gas.  There was indeed a filter on the back, I remember it being on the left side.  Your description of goldish color is what made me think of the neighbor's dryer. 

 

[classiccaprice]

Should be close to where your exhaust vent comes out the back.

 

[brucelucenta]

Some of the older models had no lint filter built into the dryer. It was just a tray that was held in place by a removable bracket at the back where the exhaust comes out. If someone removed the bracket it would have no visible lint filter.

 

[whirlaway]

Lint Filter

On my top of the line 1955 Frogeye it is located on the right side of the rear.Its a long screen,little lid lifts up and it pulls up.Very easy to clean and reinstall.I also have a 56 Frogeye dryer middle of the road model.When you open the main loading door it says to clean lint filter after every drying,no lint filter ever on that machine.The 55 is a Hi-Speed dryer it has an ozone light and drum light.I use it as my everyday machine and washer to match.

 

[LadySilence]

Thank you, everyone!
The previous owner took the back off and followed the duct, looking for a lint trap, and no sign of one! So I'm guessing the removable filter box at the back is the most likely story, and that it was either removed, or that was an option you could get and the original buyer opted out.
I'll post pics once I get my camera up and running again - being able to actually do laundry has been the priority!