1954 Whirlpool Supreme Washing Machine - For Sale $60

[circlew]

1955 or1956

This washer is either a late '55 or a '56 model. RCA didn't sell its Estate appliance division to Whirlpool-Seeger Corp. until sometime in 1955. At that time they acquired the right to use the RCA trademark on appliances, which they did from that time until 1966.

 

[toploader55]

What a Treasure

It's so "Modern" looking.

I bet that machine fell into the "Last Word" category. Just Fantastic.

 

[drewz]

LOVE IT!

I have only seen this machine in ads, the real thing looks much better!

A GREAT FIND!

 

[combo52]

WHIRLPOOL SUPREME WASHER

First RCA Whirlpool washer? good question, this washer was probably made in 1955 [ show us a picture of the main water pump, they changed in 1956 ]. The earlier version of this control panel had a lot of black on the glass part of the panel, those were introduced in 1954, not sure if they said RCA on that earlier model.

 

[rickr]

I think John is correct, this may be a 1956 model. I have the owners manual for my 56 Imperial, and now I remember the booklet show all models on the back cover. I will scan and post it tonight.

 

[peteski50]

Whirlpool!

I think this maybe a 54 or 55 - does this have up to a 20 minute wash? I remember reading somewhere that 56 was when they went to a 14 minute max wash time.
Can we get a close up of the control panel as well as a interior shot?
Thanks much
Peter

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Pete -

I am sure that Scott will post pictures when he can. We may have to wait for the washer to make it's way home all the way, as it is halfway home in a friend's garage in Indiana (Scott lives in Michigan). Be patient....

G

 

[swestoyz]

Cool washer! This is a model I've always hoped would show up as I've only seen the pictures of it in the service manual.

The washer in question is a 1956 model year Whirlpool. The first year for this panel was the '54 model year, with the 1955 model carrying the "Imperial" badge. In '56 they carried over the '55 panel with the badge of "Supreme". What is interesting is in 1957 they carried over the '56 Imperial panel but did not put the Supreme name on it.

There was also a 24 inch version of this washer as well in 1955.

First scan - the 1954 "Automatic" version.

 

[swestoyz]

Second scan, the 1955 "Imperial" panel.

 

[swestoyz]

3rd scan, the 1956 "Supreme" panel.

 

[swestoyz]

Last scan, the 1956 "Imperial" panel.

 

[swestoyz]

And what the hell - here is the 24" version.

 

[combo52]

1956 WP WASHER

Thanks for the neat scans Ben, did anyone notice that in figure 79 its shows the oiling system that WP used for a number of years in the 1950s for adding oil to the top agitator shaft bearing and the top spin bearing. You could add oil by removing the agitator cap and then removing the brass stud that the cap screws on to and oil can then be added in the center of the drilled agitator shaft. I think this system was discontinued by 1957 or 8. On the 1952 WP set I am in the process of restoring I drilled the holes in the new spin tube so it would have this oiling system.

 

[peteski50]

Whirlpool!

Thanks Ben for posting these service supplements. I have a few but not a complete set. Very interesting reading. I kind of thought 56 was when they shortened the wash time.
Gorden I didn't realize the washer was still in route! (hope you are doing well)
These were really awsome strong built machines!
Peter

 

[in2itdood]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the posts and information. When she makes her way back to Michigan late this Spring, I'll keep you all posted on the restoration progress.

 

[a78jumper]

That button to open the lid reminds me of identical ones on a 1958 Inglis set my Mum had many years ago....1950s gimmachry at its best, but there were not very durable as I recall. The dryer outlasted the washer by ten or so years, but it was very difficult to get the door open and the plastic part of the button had lng since broken off.

 

[northwesty]

Scott you mention that you are going to rewire it, are the wires brittle or something. My older washer is working just fine

-- John, you are mentioning the oiling mechanism did that apply to Kenmore too. I've never oiled my early 50s Kenmore, didn't know I needed to, Thanks

Brian

 

[agiflow2]

Has anyone ever found one of these center dial Whirly washers NIB or very low mileage in recent years ? I still think Whirlpool should have stayed with this design and developed it. Always liked these style machines since first coming to this site in 2003. I know there are a couple of members with the 56 Imperial model.