Found on Craigs List - OK, am I going nuts here?

[revvinkevin]

Low and high speed.

Oh, I forgot to add, about the high and low speed agitation. It's pretty interesting because it does not have a slower agitation speed as a newer machine with a 2 speed motor. It's a shorter agitation stroke, but the speed seems to be the same.

On "Low" speed, the agitator stroke is only about 1/4 revolution.

On the "High" speed, the agitator seems to move at the same speed, but the stroke is about 1/2 revolution. Same speed but more rotation = more aggressive agitation.

 

[golittlesport]

Before you open up the pump, try pouring very hot water into it by way of the the tub drain and let it sit in the pump for awhile to dissolve and gunk dried up in there. Then reach underneath her skirt (!) and try moving the pump manually.

 

[lesto]

Universal used to make freezers and window air conditioners in the late 40's and early 50's. My high school algebra classroom had a 1947 Universal AC. Huge monster that stuck farther inside thsan it did out.

 

[revvinkevin]

...try pouring very hot water into it...

It worked, it worked!!! Thank you for the suggestion Rich, it worked! I let it soak a little while, turned the pump a little by hand, then (gravity) drained it out and put more hot water in, soak some more, turned it more by hand and TA-DA!!! I was then able to turn on the motor AND the pump and drain the tub!

Thank you for the suggestion!!!
Kevin

 

[golittlesport]

woohoo!!!

 

[panthera]

Kevin,

I think that's a wonderful find. Universal produced a complete range of major appliances and design played a role. If you'd like, we've got a small poster of various white goods from Universal a bit later than your machine - be happy to post it.

All metal on metal surfaces from that period can be problematic when they sit for a long time. Especially bearings, which traditionally involve a stiffer metal thrusting through or rubbing against a softer metal.
One of the lubricants used in that period is called 'motor mica'. Not for parts which get wet, but for disparate metals which should slide or rub against each other loosely, this was great stuff. Gun shops have it or can order it.
I'd stay away from chlorine bleach in this machine and stick to name brand detergents which have silicates to protect her beautiful parts. And she is a beauty!

Toggles is right, the truly mad are the ones who think they're the only sane ones around here. I've never met a Kevan, Kevyn, Kevin, Keven or Caohmin yet, man, woman or otherwise who was normal, but you're sweet and pleasant which is better than being normal any day!

 

[revvinkevin]

Keven,

Thank you for your kind words (blush).

As for the Universal poster, yes, please post it here if you can!

Thank you again!

 

[laundramatt]

Here's a brochure from 1948 for this washer-

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cgi.ebay.com

 

[laundramatt]

And here is a user guide-

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cgi.ebay.com

 

[panthera]

Universal

But of course, Kevin - I do think Universal had some neat ideas.
If anyone wants this poster in the higher scan quality, be happy to send it on request.

 

[jamiel]

Huh! I knew of their ranges, washers and dryers but had no idea they had a refrigeration line...interesting, but wasn't this during the Crosley "shelvador" patent period? They could have sourced from them, or maybe this was riiiiight after.

 

[panthera]

Jamiel

I can't date this poster, but my feeling is that it is a bit later. Our 1947 Shelvador certainly was fully developed and well thought out already.

Will keep trying to find a date...anybody have any ideas?

Nothing here is as pretty as Kevin's is...

 

[scott55405]

Kevin that's wonderful. You don't see too many wringers in CA, much less a Universal. Interesting to learn about that speed control. I'll have to come with Richie sometime and see your newfound collection. Enjoy!

 

[revvinkevin]

A new visitor to keep the Universal company!

Again Rich has brought another item from his collection to come visit and in this case, to keep my Universal company.

It's a table top Whirlpool electric wringer!

 

[revvinkevin]

Rich guesses it was possibly for the smaller "personal" items, or perhaps for washing diapers? That soundsplausible to me!

We actually have 3 large towels in there in this photo, and while it is washing away, I think 3 was a little to much for it. Actually, much smaller items would be better!

 

[launderess]

Those little washers were often called "camp washers'. Meant to take along trips and or for laundering small wash loads.

They also came in hand for apartment living and anyone else who either did not have room for (or could afford) a full sized washing machine.