Found Blackstone panel in desert sand

[jeepndave]

I own 10 acres of property in the Southern California desert. While walking around, I uncovered the corner of the machine panel. It was mostly about 2 inches deep in the sand. Who knows if there are other parts and pieces yet to be found. I was just wondering if anyone could identify this piece and estimate a year built time frame. I will keep looking for more pieces but the could have wash away over the years. See 2 photos below. TIA for your help and sharing knowledge.

 

[swestoyz]

This would be the front panel to a pre-War 1941 Blackstone automatic washer. I believe the model number was 50 or 50A?

What a cool relic to find out in the middle of nowhere.

Ben

 

[classiccaprice]

From my understanding, that was the first top load automatic washer.

 

[bradfordwhite]

That find is just so random. I'm sure if that were in a more humid climate it would have been completely reclaimed by rust by now.

 

[classiccaprice]

Does anyone in the club have a 50a? Or a least a good photo of one? Just curious.

 

[jeepndave]

Thanks for the information

Wow, love the ad with the photo/ drawing. Thanks so much for your replies.

 

[blackstone]

I’ll have to look at my old service literature!

 

[blackstone]

OK, you have part #50461; now, find the rest of the parts...

Here is the 12-page parts list and breakdown for model 50A, publication date 12/1946. Let's see how many other parts that you can dig up. The stainless steel tub weighs about 70 lbs., so it might have sunk deeper into the ground.

One thing that I can't explain is why the panel that you found does not have a little door near the bottom.

Get out that metal detector, and keep us posted!

Fred

 

[repairguy]

That would be neat to unearth a machine that’s been buried in the desert for about 60 years.