Pop-up electric toaster, 1939

Made by Toastmaster Products of McGraw Electric Co., Elgin, IL
Chromium-plated metal, wood

The first pop-up toaster was introduced in 1926 by the McGraw Electric Company. The Toastmaster sold for $12.50 and promised "perfect toast every time--without watching, without turning, without burning." Over the years many mechanisms were introduced to improve temperature control. In 1939 the model shown here was sold alone or as part of the "Toastmaster DeLuxe Hospitality Set," which included trays, glass relish dishes, and a toast-cutting board. Helen Habel and Robert Lloyd of Springfield, Illinois, received this toaster as a wedding present in 1939.

Gift of Dorothy Habel Langer, Springfield, IL (1990.13)

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© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96