30's/40's GE Dishwasher/Dispos-all Combo (Custom)

[frank1492]

Any information on this unit would be much appreciated!
I have attached several photos. (NOTE: Didn't realize I could do only one- others in follow-up messages.) About 20 years ago, I removed the original "guts" and replaced them with a Sears timer and new style water impeller and motor as the metal of the old unit was disintegrating. (Same true of original dispos-all.) The conversion was not that difficult.
The control panel originally had two handles- one to control the drain, the other to activate the impeller. Both levers were depressed on start. The only automatic feature was that the left handle would pop up when the water level was correct. The handles were removed at the time of modification and replaced with a neon pilot light and the timer from the Sears unit.
Looking into the sink body you can see that the original drain cutout was reduced to accommodate the new dispos-all.
I was born in 1943 and to my knowledge this unit was always there.
The original motor was "flat" rather than "tall". I
understand the tall motors came later.
Obviously this was a custom installation.
I tell people this was the first washer GE ever made, but
not sure. Can't find pictures of this exact unit on the net.
Thank you for your help!
Frank

 

[dishwashercrazy]

My apologies...

I made similar comments in the other discussion thread.

I can provide more information plus here is the link to my own discussion thread on my own 1937 electric sink.

Mike

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2009/21050x23.htm

 

[frank1492]

Thanks Mike!

I saw your message posted to Robert. My recollection of how the original lever system worked has now been clarified!
Clarification on point: Perhaps you now understand that the timer and spray arm are *not* GE but came from a 60's Sears washer. The conversion was necessary because all the white (?) metal castings were detereorated.
The spray arm is therefore also a Sears spray arm which replaced the original impeller when I did the conversion. The motor (not shown) is also part of the Sears unit. It was rather amazing how everything dropped right in!
I believe my grandmother used to sprinkle the detergent around the edges of the SS "funnel" at center of the upper rack. Soap is now placed in a small kitchen strainer affixed to the front of the tub.
The unit still functions well and the tub is perfect. It is annoying not to have a heated dry cycle, but if you open the cover at the exact end of the cycles, the water evaporates very well.
I wish I had pictures of the original dispos-all when it was removed. My father had patched the holes in the deteriorated metal several times.
Is this the earliest GE semi-automatic?
Going to your link now.
Thank you!
Frank

 

[dishwashercrazy]

Frank

Please take a look at Robert's post regarding the Walker Dishwasher. G.E. bought the Walker Dishwasher company to be able to add a dishwasher line to their appliances.

Mike

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2008/16876x40.htm

 

[dishwashercrazy]

Frank, Thanks for the clarification. And I concur that the detergent was placed on the SS funnel.

During the 30's and 40's, G.E. had several versions of the Electric Sink.

 

[frank1492]

Custom Model

My grandfather apparently had the model that could be customized to any sink/countertop console. Because it fits the side of the room so perfectly it could have been custom-made but I don't think so as it is exactly 6 ft, and made by Art Metal Kitchen Equipment Co. This company seems to have made these specifically for GE applications- everything is stainless including the washer lid, and the sink appears to be larger than the GE. Also there is substantial SS counter area on the right.