1956 Frigidaire Imperial Fridge and Range

[shawnm]

Hi all-

I'm a proud new owner of a set of Frigidaire Imperial appliances that were made in 1956; the model just before the introduction of the new "Sheer Look" in '57.

I bought them as a pair out of an old house and despite being 50 years old, they're in absolute mint condition, seafoam green like the pic below and both the refridgerator and the range are just dripping in Chrome! The refridgerator has a large verticle chrome handle on the front, and it is pink inside, with metallic shelves that roll out and a fruit/veggie cooler thing on the side that folds out! The freezer is in the bottom. The stove is the same as pictured below, except mine has two glass windows (on either side) on the doors.

Question: I cannot find any information about these anywhere. I once saw the refridgerator in the movie 'The Hours' where it was in Julianne Moore's 1950's kitchen, and I've seen several ads on Ebay but nothing is written about them.

How rare are they? Is there any styling or manufacturing info. on them? What did they originally sell for? Were these popular? In my opinion they have the quintessential 1950's styling with the angles and coloring. Anyone have any personal memories of these?

I LOVE these and they are going to be the centerpiece of my new kitchen! I appreciate any tips and info ya'll might have on these....

 

[shawnm]

Here is the refrigerator.

 

[shawnm]

And lastly, this is an ad for the Stove, showing how the boiler can be used.
Thanks.

 

[rickr]

I know where the 56 fridge is in white

And several other brands with it...

I can't wait to see the pixs of the actual fridge and range you have. They sound beautiful!

 

[swestoyz]

The stove in the first ad is actually a 1955 Imperial model - the popcorn ad is for a 1956.

Both the 1955 and 1956 models were one year designs - along with 1957 being a Control Tower. It wasn't until 1958 that they came up with a panel format that lasted for quite a few years - with minor details to dial arrangements, read-out changes, etc.

I don't think you'll find too many folks who would disagree that they aren't beautiful appliances. Especially in Sherwood Green.

Ben

 

[shawnm]

Yes, the picture of the white fridge is exactly the refrigerator that I have!! I am very excited to see another one, they are so beautiful for sure. What other colors did they come in? How rare are they?

Thanks Ben for your help, I was trying to figure out if they were single year designs. I've seen a lot of ads for 1955 models, so I assumed 55 was the beginning of a new design.

Sherwood green is the color? Thats great to know! Any other info is of course appreciated.

Thanks...

 

[shawnm]

I just took a closer look, I was under the impression that my stove was a 1956 because thats what my refrigerator is, but my stove is identical to the first ad- so maybe its a 1955..... VERY interesting.

 

[bygted]

Imperials

Great Fridges ! - I have the same two models in the Porcelain Exterior.

If either of you need any cosmetic parts like shelves -drawers- door trays -or plastic panel covers - for 54-57 Frigidaire Fridges let me know - I have a stash of NOS parts stuff that I might sell if I have doubles of something.
[email protected]

 

[danemodsandy]

Shawn:

Your Frigidaires are from the last year of the styling programme initiated in 1948 by Raymond Loewy. The 1948 units were pretty revolutionary in their time, much sleeker than most competing makes. Each year, GM updated the Loewy units with new trim and more chrome, culminating in the glamorous '56 models. What Loewy did that was so important was to make major appliances very "integrated" in appearance, with no legs or anything sticking out from the main body of the appliance.

In '57, of course, the famous Sheer Look appliances were introduced, with all-new squared-off styling that had no rounded corners. The Sheer Look was not designed by Loewy or by his design firm, Raymond Loewy Associates; it was designed in-house by a design team headed by Leroy Kiefer. However, Raymond Loewy Associates did do the product brochures for the Sheer Look.

Your appliances are a significant part of Frigidaire history, because they are from the year when GM prepared the public for the all-new Sheer Look they intended to introduce in '57. There was much more glamour to the '56s than in previous years, and those previous years' models were already pretty damn good-looking.

 

[rickr]

Very interesting information Sandy! You know, I like the "unsheer" look myself. The curves had more style.

 

[bethann]

Hello Shawn

Your stove is a 57. The fridge is a 56. Post some pictures. We would love to see them. Glad you saved them and are giving them a good home!

 

[bethann]

On second thought...

I think the stove is a 58.

 

[bethann]

Oh HELL!

Just delete my posts! Ben is right it's a 55.

This is why I don't post anything anymore, my brain is fried! LOL!

I think Robert needs to put a button that says, Update , Preview, check you spelling, and look at the damn book!

 

[shawnm]

Awesome guys, ys I agree the 56 is by far the pinnacle of 50's Frigidaires and I'll post soem pics as soon as I get these guys out of stroage and into my refinished kitchen. MUCH THANKS for the continued help and advice.


-shawn.

 

[swestoyz]

Bethann, it is nice to see your posts, regardless if your brain is fried or scrambled. We like you anyway we can get'cha!