Blackstone Washer 50's Model?

[nooknook1987]

My family just acquired a very nice Blackstone washer. Model number 331P. Serial number 8020. Its in very good condition and still works great. We don't know a whole lot about it so I was hoping to get any information anyone would have on this beautiful piece. All we were told when we acquired it is that its possibly a 50's model and that it came out of the Thatcher House. Any advice as far as how old it is, what the worth of it may be or even how and where to acquire any type of manual for this specific model would be great!! Thanks

 

[wetguymd]

She's a beauty!!

Money shot please!!!

 

[nooknook1987]

Money shot? What do you need a picture of?

 

[scoots]

Money Shot

He's asking for a photo of the interior of the tub showing the agitator, preferably one showing all the way down to the bottom because the vane configuration helps dating the machine.

 

[nooknook1987]

Ohh haha ok, thank you for the advice will get one posted.

 

[jetcone]

Thats a beauty

love the styling for sure.

 

[tomturbomatic]

The styling looks more 40s with echoes of the '39 world's fair. Beautiful machine that does not look like it seen much use.

 

[maytagmike]

Blackstone washer

I have one exactly like it, I bought mine on e-bay about a year ago. I was told by the owner that they bought it in the early 50's

 

[launderess]

Cost A Whopping $149 Back In 1950

That was some serious money for the time. Would equal $1,418.76 in 2012

The Pittsburgh Press - Google News Archive Search

 

[blackstone]

Parts Manual

I have an 8-page parts list and breakdown diagram. If you want, I could scan it in and send you a pdf; or just make copies and mail it to you. No date printed on it, however. I don't personally remember working on any of these wringers.

 

[mickeyd]

Probably circa 1955, 53 at the earliest.

That's when the automatic shut-off timers appeared. You can see it on the machine, and L's link confirms it. As the oldest manufacturer of laundry equipment, you have to appreciate how Blackstone the reduced danger factor in the lower height of the wringer span and how close the feed tray is to the business part of the wringer. An accident would be less likely.

 

Oh how we'd love to the the inside for the "3 zone" wash action.

 

What great shape she's in, and how full-figured, a Rubens Lady!

 

[jocks54]

It is just beautiful!!!!!

What a treasure. It is gorgeous! Treat her well and love her !!! I just love the styling.
Have you tested the machine out yet??

 

[mickeyd]

Sing the song: "How dry I am, How dry I am, Nobody knows

or drunk or dumb. Down in the water swimming, I realized I could change the page in L's link and look for a date on the newspaper and LO, it's April 11, 1950.

So I came rushing up before anyone could see how absent-minded I can be. Funny what the lake can do for your brain.

 

"Hey, Teacher, Did you forget to wear your pants today?"

 

OHHHHHHHHH, my pajamas OHHHHHHHHHH

[this post was last edited: 7/30/2012-11:29]

 

[nooknook1987]

Thanks!!

Wow thanks everyone!! Um, where to start, first to Blackstone, anything you have on this beauty would be appreciated, email is [email protected]. And yes she does work, we got her cleaned out and have washed about 5 loads in her already, she makes a great addition to the family. I will post a pic of the inside for anyone wanting to see it.

 

[launderess]

Mikey, Put That Cooking Sherry Away! *LOL*

Unless your computer display is different from mine the day and date of the advert is right top of the screen; April 11,1950.

No more booze for you! *LOL*

 

[mickeyd]

No, Dear, my page has the Blackstone headline on top

I have to access the previous page to get the date and scroll over and up. Music to my ears about the day I can drink again, not sherry but burbon. LOL, preferably in a Manhattan. Oh my aching heart. Keep hoping.

 

Nooknook, that agitator is wild! I've seen a few old abandonned machines with that unique agi and was fascinated by it. That style was in use way before 1950.

 

Could you tell us what the wash action is like? Do the clothes move top to bottom or slosh back and forth? Is the action brisk or slow?

 

We don't have any extant video of this agitator as far as I know. You could make Automatic Washer history, if you show us how it agitates.

 

[blackstone]

Sales Sheet for Blackstone model 330 wringer

Front (list price penciled in):

 

[blackstone]

Back:

 

[wetguymd]

She is a beauty

Many years ago I had one similar to this but it had a small black 3 vane agitator in it. It was a great washer but I wanted "more splash" action. I put a a spirlator from an old Easy in it and it was great. Would love to see a video of yours in action. Thanks for sharing