Wow-
Thanks for all of the input and ideas and compliments. I showed my boyfriend these entries and he was blown away—amazed that so many people would share our admiration for these beauties. That led us into an interesting debate as to why mainstream styling has become so watered down over the past 30 years. I'd venture to say that only recently has styling re-invented itself with the mid-70's being about the last era of unique 'across the board' styling.
Then we started looking at all of the innovations of the past- the "turn away" steering wheel of the Thunderbirds, sequential lighting, etc. Where did all of those great ideas go?!?
Lowering the standard of what is deemed to be acceptable quality in a product is a dangerous thing; it is a Pandora's box. Once decreased, it is next to impossible to reverse it—especially in today's highly consumer-tested markets that suggest people don't expect something to last for more than a few years. Case in point: IKEA.
The problem is simple. Companies care not as much for their reputation as they do for their bottom line and they are going for volume. In past days, products were BUILT TO LAST because that was their handshake. Today, they are manufactured with built-in life expectancies. Volume vs. quality.
It's a shame that "quality" is a term synonymous only with names such as Vuitton, Rolex, Bentley and BOSE.
BUT I DIGRESS!
Here are some scans for ads that I show people whenever they are over. Pretty interesting.
Does anyone know how the "Ice Ejector" works on this fridge? I think I am missing some parts there too... Grrr. And thanks for the info on Raymond Loewy. Damn, if it was interesting, this guy styled it! I'm thinking the fridge is a '56 and the stove is a '55—a likely testement to the original owner buying the stove first then saving up for a year to get the fridge.
In regards to the replacement of parts, I have found a plumbing company here in Los Angeles that has a HUGE warehouse of nothing but old stoves, fridges and other appliances from the 40-70's. Probably about 500+ machines. They sometimes rent to the studios but otherwise they are just sitting there available for people to purchase, etc. I am going in the next week or so and I will take pics of the place and post them. Lastly, for insurance purposes, what should I estimate their value to be?
Again, THANKS for the info. on these pieces I've received. If there is anything else, keep it coming!
