What is it?

[dseymo1]

There's a little information about the origin of the Icall company around the middle of this article (Isidoro Calvete):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perm_(hairstyle)

[ms660]

ICALL....I.Calvete?

EDIT: Post crossed.

Lawrence.

[Skywave]

So here's a few thoughts.
It appears to be designed to be used on a flat surface, but not in contact with that surface (on account of its feet). It is called a 'dryer'. So, things that get wet - and thus need drying - are typically things made of paper, cardboard or cloth.
An early version of a mini hand-held tumble dryer for use on an ironing board?

Al.

[Boater Sam]

I think it is a clothes dryer, to be under a "maiden" with clothes on.
Flatley made some dryer heaters for the same purpose.

[dseymo1]

Given the Icall connection (see above), it's likely to be something to do with hairdressing.
What I find curious is that the feet don't seem to be arranged to stand on a flat surface, but something tapered or funnel-shaped.

[Boater Sam]

I 've just spotted the knob on the side, what does it do?

The top knob looks similar to the speed control on the back of some old fans.

I'm changing my mind, not a clothes dryer.

[Radio Wrangler]

There are always easy ways out:

If you own a castle, just stick it in the torture chamber and let tourist's imaginations do the rest.

If you're an archaeologist just write it off as that perennial standby, a religious ritual object.

David

[julie_m]

I think the "side knob" is actually the retaining cover for one of the motor brushes -- there are two of them, 180° apart.

[Heatercathodeshort]

I think the feet are there to prevent the hot front surface of the dryer from contacting furniture tops etc when put down while still hot. It is after all 800W.

I still think it is a professional hair dryer used for setting maybe Marcel waves.

If anyone fancies being a Guinea Pig for an afternoon we can experiment. I have a few ginger wigs if it all ends in tears. John.

[Boater Sam]

Ginger wigs John? Hidden depths to this guy.

[ms660]

Very similar....For ID purposes only, Mods permitting:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Calvete-C...p2047675.l2557

Lawrence.

[dseymo1]

Originally Posted by Heatercathodeshort

If anyone fancies being a Guinea Pig for an afternoon we can experiment. I have a few ginger wigs if it all ends in tears. John.

From the article I linked to above (admittedly a different process):

"The first two attempts resulted in completely burning her hair off and some scalp burns, but the method was improved..."

***

Well spotted, Lawrence, I think you've nailed it!
I still think the placement of the feet is a little odd, though.

[Heatercathodeshort]

This is definitely just a fan and a heating element. No massage, ultra violet or shock treatment.

The wigs are provided for 'Interlace' my pet Orangutan. He loves dressing up when he gets bored playing with ion traps.

He is really scared of this dryer.. John.

[Lloyd 1985]

You didn’t try it out on him did you?!

Regards
Lloyd

[ms660]

The "Ultra" hair dryer advert is from 1931 according to the completed listing, it doesn't have any feet on it or brush cover (if that's what they are in the photo's) and appears to have a different style control knob compared to the one in the photo's as well, it might be a later version possibly or maybe earlier or possibly just altered for the artwork?

Lawrence.

[Heatercathodeshort]

Originally Posted by Lloyd 1985

You didn’t try it out on him did you?! Regards
Lloyd

Just pointing it at him was enough. He vanished through the over size cat flap and refuses to come back in. I think he knows something about this thing that I don't.

It's only a hair dryer! John.