Celebrating the 1,000,000th Bendix Washer

[gansky1]

Bendix made this machine in 1947 to celebrate the milestone of 1,000,000 Bendix Home Laundry washing machines produced. I've seen ads showing this washer but never expected to see one in person - or that they even made them available to dealers. Well, here it is! I picked it up in Kansas City, KS today and it's home safe and sound. This machine apparently was from a dealer and passed through a couple of owners before the guy I bought it from today. It must have been used solely for display purposes as this machine is never used. I gave it a bath when I got home this afternoon and other than age, it doesn't appear to have ever been installed or used!

 

[gansky1]

The "gold" plating is only on the door and the trim pieces around the timer dial and the soap door - the rest is a gold'ish-silver paint on metal. The top is not porcelain as the standard home models were - just painted steel which probably explains the age and corrosion of the paint.

 

[gansky1]

Look at the shine!

The hoses and hardware bag were inside the machine, it even smells new inside!

 

[gansky1]

The hoses and hardware - I've read about that cloth bag in Bendix doctrine, it's fun to have one! Inside are the hose screens, washers, clamp for the drain hose and the grounding wire.

 

[gansky1]

Here is the illustration from one of the ads that Bendix ran showing this "Gold Plated Bendix" - I'll have to find those ads I've seen to put with the machine -- and maybe some of those velvet drapes!

 

[appnut]

Noq THAT'S a collector's item!!! Congratulations!!!

 

[mickeyd]

Speaking of Church

Are you familiar with a monstrance, the big sun burst on a pedestal they put Jesus in, a huge white wafer inside a glass surrounded in gold, the pyx?

Anyhoo, that's what the millionth Bendix door looks like--FABULOUS!!

How great that you got it. You better find another one for Mister Bendix of Boston, or you're gonna be in big trouble.

Congratulations Greg

 

[sharples]

So beautiful

Amazing, great job securing it!!!! Another one saved for the future!!!

 

[bestcleaning]

Very glamorous!

 

[rickr]

Oh! That is cool! Love it Greg, Congratulations on finding that in NEW minty fresh condition.

btw: If you come across a NOS Multitragic trans, grab it for me! <:

 

[swestoyz]

That is sweet Greg! For those folks to cannot smell at the moment - I can just imagine that new washer smell aroma flowing out when you open the gold door.

Now the decision will be - do you use it? Or keep it in the living room with a floral arrangement atop? ;-)

Ben

 

[jetaction]

What Could be better?

Than never used! Congrats!

 

[tlee618]

Greg I am so glad that you were able to get this machine, it is really a piece of history! I like Ben's idea, it is a perfect place for beautiful floral arrangement!!

 

[frontaloadotmy]

especially if you are able to

with a nice set of those exquisite drapes!!

 

[foraloysius]

Ooooh!, quite a treasure you found there and what a fun thing to have. Unbelievable they already made their 1,000,000th machine in 1947.

 

[dj-gabriele]

CONGRATULAZIONI!!!!!
That is really woth to have! Wow I'm impressed! Will you ever run it?

 

[goatfarmer]

Beautiful machine, Greg! There's a sort of museum here in South Bend, that I'll bet would love to have that. It's good to know it's in good hands.

kennyGF

 

[washendry]

2,000.000

I have the 2,000,000th Bendix Gyrator w/ water rastioner, it works, but needs a new Boot,
Kim

 

[jetcone]

Now there is a piece of washer history!

Global washer history. What a nice find Greg! I bet you were thrilled to have it all loaded up and on the way back home yesterday. Hope the trip back was quicker!

Is that silver paint around the door? I can't quite tell.

jon & al