1952 Whirlpool washer

[pulltostart]

This advertisement is taken from the October 1952 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.  I know that the emblem on the center of the front of the dryer is how the user opens the dryer door, but my question is about the washer.  Does the same badge/emblem on the front of the washer serve to open the lid to the washer?  There is no apparent handle on the lid, so just wondering.  If "yes", I think that's a very cool design feature.

 

lawrence

 

[turquoisedude]

If it's like the '56, it does.... LOL 

 

[peteski50]

Whirlpool!

The washer button is for the same purpose! I knew a few people that had WP washers from that era and after awhile the button didn't work any more and they used to use a butter knife to open the lid! It was after 58 they stopped making that design!

 

[tomturbomatic]

Also, at least at some time period, the lid popped at the end of the cycle, just like GE Mobile Maids did at the start of the dry cycle.

 

[pulltostart]

Thanks!

I suspected that it did, but wasn't sure.  I can see where the lid would be more problematic than the door, due to the weight of the door.  Still I think it says a lot about the importance of design at the time for WP to match the cabinets that closely.

 

lawrence

 

[gyrafoam]

People sometimes did not realize the button was electrically operated not mechanical. Plenty of people broke those and had to use a flat-head screw-driver to open the lid. I'm sure Whirlpool got sick of all the complaints. It was too gimmicky anyway.

 

[combo52]

Push-button Lid and Doors On The 52 WP W&D

Were just mechanical, nothing electrical and did not open automatically at the end of the cycle.

 

John L.

 

[peteski50]

Whirlpool!

I do remember on a friend that had a around 52 or so when the cycle was completed a buzzer would go off and the lid would open on its own! Another person that had the 58 Imperial timeline model a buzzer would sound but the lid did not open on its own!
On the 52 once the lid didn't work anymore of course it stopped opening on its own. I knew a few other people that had these machines and all of them didn't have that lid opening button working to the end of the machine life. They all used a butter knife or a flat head screw driver to open the lid!