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Other Vintage Household Electrical or Electromechanical Items For discussions about other vintage (over 25 years old) electrical and electromechanical household items. See the sticky thread for details. |
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26th Aug 2011, 9:04 pm | #1 |
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Electric brush - what was it for?
Acquired today on Freecycle. Any ideas?
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26th Aug 2011, 9:11 pm | #2 |
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Re: Eletric brush - what was it for?
It is, believe it or not, an electric hair brush. I believe barbers/hairdressers used them a century or so ago.
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26th Aug 2011, 9:35 pm | #3 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
Hi Gents, was it not an early form of heated roller?
I'm certain I saw stuff like this when my mother went to the hairdressers in the early 50's. They plugged into an Xmas tree like contraption that presumably provided the (LV?) power. Ed |
26th Aug 2011, 9:39 pm | #4 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
It seems very big for human hairdressing. My guess would be it's something to do with horse grooming.
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26th Aug 2011, 9:56 pm | #5 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
From hairdressing to horse grooming in 2 posts. I had to laugh.
All I can say is that if I saw a hairdresser with one of these, someone would have had to lock the stable door after I'd bolted. Al
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26th Aug 2011, 9:56 pm | #6 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
The person who I got it from said it had been used (rather unsuccessfully) as a hairbrush by her father on her sister about 50 years ago.
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26th Aug 2011, 10:52 pm | #8 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
Hi,
Just an "uneducated guess" but is it possibly some kind of Shoe Shine brush? The wooden mount with clips on may be have been used to hold the brush in place whilst it rotates, the only thing that puzzles me about this theory is the fact that the brush seems to be connected to the mains supply via a BC plug. (this may have simply been the manufactures choice though) Andrew PS Beaten to it |
26th Aug 2011, 10:55 pm | #9 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
What an amazing item, I showed 'Er indoors the photo, I was instantly told not to get one, as divorce would be imminent
Mark |
26th Aug 2011, 11:00 pm | #10 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
So an electric hairbrush it is.
Al
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26th Aug 2011, 11:05 pm | #11 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
Now..... would it make your hair curl, or stand on end?
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27th Aug 2011, 5:44 am | #12 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
The 1904 date in that BBC reference seems too early. It just looks too modern for that but I'd believe 1920s.
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27th Aug 2011, 10:32 am | #13 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
What does it say on the upper arch of that label? I can make out "patented" above and "electrical specialists", "Ilford, Essex" below, but can't quite read what is presumably the name.
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27th Aug 2011, 10:42 am | #14 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
Main arc: THE LIGHT ELECTRIC MOTOR Coy Ltd
Above main arc: Maclean's (big space) Patents Below arc: MANUFACTURERS OF Lower arc: ELECTRICAL SPECIALITIES Below lower arc: ILFORD, ESSEX Any ideas on date? 1904 just seems too early. |
27th Aug 2011, 12:06 pm | #15 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
I tend to agree 1904 is a bit early and the year given in those BBC articles is probably just assumed. 1920's does seem more likely.
I've done a quick search of Companies House but didn't find anything about the manufacturer. The use of the abbreviation "Coy" might give an approximate idea as at some point it was superceded by "Co.". |
27th Aug 2011, 5:45 pm | #16 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
MacLean held patents in 1904 for an electrifed hair brush to stimulate hair growth - it sure beats having one's bald pate licked by a buxom bovine... unless one is into such things!
The bristles contain fine brass wires to conduct the electricity to the scalp - electro-therapy was all the rage then. Barry (bald and proud of it... something to do with virility, so I am assured) Last edited by brenellic2000; 27th Aug 2011 at 5:57 pm. Reason: additional info |
27th Aug 2011, 6:06 pm | #17 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
I would say it was 1910 onwards
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27th Aug 2011, 8:27 pm | #18 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
So stand on end, then
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27th Aug 2011, 11:29 pm | #19 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
What with BEAB and suchlike, then using this today could result in more than a 'brush' with the law.
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28th Aug 2011, 12:21 pm | #20 |
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Re: Electric brush - what was it for?
Yes, Chris, the hair would stand on end - it makes it easier to top with a pair of sheep shears! I just hope the barber is wearing rubber wellies at the time.
Barry Last edited by Brian R Pateman; 28th Aug 2011 at 12:31 pm. Reason: OT comment removed. |