RCA/Whirlpool Refrigerator?

[boboh1]

I am considering buying this vintage refrigerator that appears to be from the late 1950s. The brand tag shows RCA/Whirlpool. Thought RCA was into electronics only, how were they related to refrigerators? What was the quality for this brand back then if anyone knows? Thanks.

 

[hydralique]

It's a Whirlpool . . .

RCA and Whirlpool had a marketing agreement for several years from the late '50s into the '60s to use the dual branding. At the time RCA was one of the more prestigious mass-market brands for electronics so it helped differentiate Whirlpool from the many other appliance brands of the time.

 

[boboh1]

Interesting....

I also found this info.1955 Whirlpool further expands its product line into refrigerators, by way of merging with Seeger Refrigerator Company and changes its name to Whirlpool-Seeger Corporation. Whirlpool-Seeger than acquires the air conditioner and cooking range lines of Radio Corporation of America (RCA), which are marketed under the RCA-Whirlpool name until the mid-1960s.

 

[moparguy]

Hadn't RCA purchased the Estate range company in the early 50s, also? And Whirlpool the Servel refrigerator company? Someone keep me correct here...

 

[norgeway]

Yes..

Whirlpools aquisition of Seeger Refrigeration and Birtman Electric co of Chicago was a Sears deal, Seeger made Coldspot and Birtman made Kenmore mixers and blenders so this got everything..including the laundry under one management.