Ironrite, a few pics

[panthera]

Well, this is a pleasant change. The Ironrite I picked up for me honey at $2.50 at the auction works!
I am going to exchange the cord (scary) for a grounded one, but otherwise, we are good to go.
Thought some folks might appreciate a few pics. Any data on approximate age, etc. welcome.
Oh, as always - if someone truly wants her, be happy to talk about it. We are well stocked on mangles, irons and etc.

 

[panthera]

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next pic, with the cover off. Kinda groovy, making it look like a HI-FI.

 

[panthera]

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[panthera]

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The knee-switch folds up and away so that when covered, you really could think this was a HI-FI or speaker. Yes, space to build in a real speaker it you wanted to!

The knee-switch is not a dead-man's switch. You tap it lightly (very very lightly) and the mangle engages. Fast. As in, count your fingers fast. Another tap and she disengages.

 

[panthera]

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I would imagine that the nylon and rayon but not poly-blends puts this in the early 1950's.

Remember Ny-test shirts and how they always stunk? No way to clean that hideous stuff, even pure bleach and boiling didn't get rid of the stench.

If Americans still built this level of quality, we would not be looking at the disaster unfolding. What a piece of clever engineering and design! So compact, most mangles weigh a ton, are sharp edged, hard to move and hideously hard to use. This baby is nearly silent - can barely hear the motor in idle, the running noise is very smooth and quiet. I am going to clean the cloth up and try some pressing this afternoon.

Neat!

 

[panthera]

auch ein schoener Ruecken kann entzueken

Took the cover and pad off, cover being delicately thumped, pad and burlap will be left alone, in perfect condition.

Here is a shot from the rear.

 

[panthera]

And with the cover off the tranny

I can only say it again - wow! Built to last.

 

[panthera]

No belts, no pulleys - solid metal gears!

wow.

 

[bellalaundry]

Wow...

Did you say $2.50! I've never used a mangle very sucessfully, other than to press flat goods. This one is styled very neatly, and looks real clean too!

Guy

 

[launderess]

Those are the sister models to my Ironrite portable 890, everything is the same except your unit is stationary, and mine folds down for portablity. Well Ironrite claimed your model was portable, but without wheels it would be hard work shoving the thing around.

As you noticed, these units do not use the usual gear oil for older Ironrites, rather gear grease. Ironrite sold a special branded can of the stuff, but any gear grease of the same weight would do.

Both units were some of the last in production, so think around the 1950's to the end of the company.

Now you have some understanding of my Pfaff ironer. Except Pfaff moved the gears and motor inside the roller, to free up space behind the roller for linen to fall.

 

[jeb]

Ironrite

I just let this same model go at an estate sale for $10.00 because I have one and don't have a place for a second one