1950s Servel fridge with Ice Maker

[moparguy]

The ad on facebook marketplace says 1954... but it looks like it may be a bit newer than that? It also says in working condition... and only $100!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/789218088795553?ref=saved&referral_code=null
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/789218088795553?ref=saved&referral_code=null

 

[mel]

It's actually a 1953...

Servel introduced the first refrigerator with built in ice maker in 1953. The handle style on the one in the link above definitely dates it to 1953. The style of the handle changed in 1954 and 1955.

I have the larger two door electric model from 1954.

 

[launderess]

Isn't that ice box one of those federal government has been warning people off for years?

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1998/c...-gas-refrigerators-still-in-use-can-be-deadly

 

[qsd-dan]

Isn't that ice box one of those federal government has been warning people off for years?

 

For those who don't know how to properly use and maintain one, yes. The design is still used in RV's.

 

[mistereric]

I almost feel foolish asking... is this a gas fridge? I thought Servels were all gas.

 

[ea56]

We had a Servel gas refrigerator when I was a kid in the early to mid 50’s.  And we had neighbors when I was a teenager that had a 1939 Servel that ran on propane, and  in 2015 it was still in continuous use since new in 1939 when the owners parents bought it for their restaurant.  When the power went out they were the only people on the ridge that still had an operating fridge.

 

Eddie

 

[jil1000]

PSPS

Eddie I think we all need a gas fridge in Northern Ca! Funny you are right up the road from me, I’m in Ukiah!

 

[mel]

mistereric

Servel made both gas and electric refrigerators. The earlier electric refrigerators were absorption type refrigerators but instead of a gas burner they used an electric heating element. In 1953 they also started making electric compressor models which are standard refrigerators that run on freon. Mine is an electric compressor model. The one in the facebook ad appears to be a compressor model as well. In the last picture you can see the condenser coils on the back. Also the lightening bolt on the handle indicates electric. The gas models typically had a flame logo.

When I was restoring my refrigerator, I found very little info about the compressor models. The only thing I found was a 16-page service handbook (temporary edition) dated 1953.

Melissa