ABC 350 wringer washer

[someguy]

Just picked up an ABC wringer washing machine today. Actually in decent condition. It's so nice the lid looks like it doesn't have a ding in it, but has some rust around the edges.
The motor sounds very smooth, all parts are there and intact. It will take some cleaning and painting to make it look perfect.
Note the cord repair, and it has a couple other injuries. Hard to believe anyone would risk their life using a cord like that.

Mike, please let me know what you think.

oh also...there's a model 350, which this is, and a 350P, the P is for the pump model.

 

[someguy]

Hmm, only one picture per post apparently

 

[someguy]

third pic

 

[someguy]

next

 

[someguy]

the owners manual is absolutely a kick....lots of washday photos, too many to post here....but here's a sample

 

[someguy]

owners manual

 

[peterh770]

Looks awfully close to Philco to me...

 

[amyswasher]

My G*D is that the electrical cord inside the washbasket? I see what you are talking about.

 

[polkanut]

Post #378965

That brochure gives all sorts of laundry hints, do's, and don'ts, but it is primarily advertising Lux and Rinso laundry soaps. I have one just like it that my Grandma Wilde received with her Model #648 Speed Queen wringer washer in 1950.

 

[someguy]

I haven't read the whole thing but noticed regular references to Rinso. There's also 'helpful hints' and 'how to's that would be useful. I like the one recommending the use of carbon tetrachloride for cleaning. I suppose they could buy it by the jug back then.
The graphics are so quaint too. Hmm, actually I think Mrs. Martin kind of scares me a little.

This one was printed in 1949.

 

[someguy]

Did the Altorfer Bros. Company build Speed Queens too? I don't understand the connection.

 

[abcomatic]

ABC wringer

Great find. The agitator is like the ones that ABC used during the 30's. The scrub board "bumps" on the bottom of the machine is a carry-over from the scrub boards days. I have 2 mid to late 50's machines and the bumps are still there even though the agitator changed and a full skirt went to the floor. You will find that it has a slow stroke to it but cleans very well and is quiet running.
I know the granddaughter to one of the Altorfer's who owned the company. At one time ABC was the 3rd. largest company to make home laundry equipment. I would love a copy of the manual. Please let me know if that is possible or not? Thanks, Gary

 

[someguy]

Abcomatic,
I'll make a copy but it will be a little while before I can. I think it's good to have this material available. But where to put it on line?

I never heard of ABC so it's a surprise they were that large.

The seller was anxious to show me it ran so I watched the agitator for about 15 seconds. I remember thinking it was about the slowest I ever saw. The motor sounded perfect. I bet the agitator would look wonderful cleaned up nicely.

thanks for your comments

 

[dishwashercrazy]

Eric: These ABC machines were built just a short distance from my present house. In addition to Peoria, Illinois on the literature, is there a street address given as well? Some factory buildings were on Main Street in Peoria, while other factory buildings were located, I believe, across the river in East Peoria.

Gary: I'm looking forward to seeing your copy of the manual when you get it.

Mike

 

[polkanut]

This booklet was printed in 1949 by Lever Bros., and distributed to washer manufacturers to include in their instruction packets. In 1949, Speed Queen was, and still is, made in Ripon, WI. In '49 their corporate name was still Barlow & Seelig.

 

[gmmcnair]

Eric....that's a beauty! I am so glad you saved it. I'm truly amazed at what good shape it's in!

 

[someguy]

dishwashercrazy::

I looked all over but no street address, other than Peoria.

the Lever Bros. ABC of Home Laundering booklet is a generous 36 pages. I'm so glad it's with the machine.

I still wonder where to post this. I wonder if this site would be good, it's a lot of pages though. Also what other place should I post? Think Wikipedia would accept an article? Oh wait, they don't do pics. I think it should be posted more than one place. Anyone have an idea about this? The booklet and etc. should really be preserved somewhere permanent.

 

[abcomatic]

Eric

Hi Eric, No, ABC didn't make Speed Queen washers, those were made by the Speed Queen company of Ripon, Wisconsin.
Maybe the connection was in the manual. It may have been a manual that was printed and the manufacturer could put their name on it? It's just a thought. Have fun with your new machine. Gary

 

[polkanut]

Gary,

You're correct. Lever Bros. had the insides printed with their hints and ads for Rinso and Lux, and the various manufacturers put their own covers on them.