KM-444
Flatwork Ironer: an extraterrestrial design for ironing sheets, table clothes,
circa 1939
Up for auction, and your consideration, is a scarce electric iron. Its distinctive shape, chromium-steel finish and
the world’s first sweeping synthetic plastic handle called, “Bakelite,” it
became a stellar attention grabber.
From the well-known and respected firm of Knapp-Monarch
(K-M), this Model #444 arrived on the market reminiscent of an Unidentified
Flying Object. The saucer silhouette
design, coupled with a streamline handle was stunning to look at.
ALIEN BACKGROUND: On
October 30, 1938, Orson Welles broadcasted a radio adaptation of The War of
the Worlds. The realistic "breaking news" format of the broadcast
led thousands of Americans to believe a real invasion by Martians in flying
saucers was happening, embedding extraterrestrials into the cultural psyche.
Later, one could argue that
Stevens’ Petipoint electric iron was the Race Car or Aero Plane of
the ironing world. Yet a more iconic step up from the Race Car design was a UFO
Flying Saucer design. Knapp-Monarch
advertised their UFO as its Flatwork Ironer, specially designed to streamline
ironing linens like sheets and tablecloths. That it would “cut flatwork ironing time by
⅓.” Its round, saucer shape allowed it to move quickly in any direction.
DETAILS:
- Electric cord in good condition. Once the iron is plugged in, it instantly
begins heating, so it works!
- Manufactured by the Knapp Monarch Co.,
St. Louis, MO.
- Model number 444, 115 volt, 660 watts
- Iron measures approximately 5 7/8
inches across, 7 3/8 inches including attached circle guard
- Top of Ironer has heat gauge: cold,
art. silk, silk, wool, cotton, linen, and too hot.
- Designer/Inventor was William
E. Gundelfinger, Patent No. 2,239,171 dated April 22, 1941.