Salesmans Model Kitchen Kit (1 results)

No binding. Condition: Very good. A model kitchen to accompany the eager salesman on his home visits to promote, and ideally sell, General Electric refrigerators. The twenty-six pieces represent all possible elements of the modern kitchen, including cabinetry, backsplash, windows, two ranges, two sinks, various countertops, and not one but two GE refrigerators. These the enterprising and innovative salesman can manipulate into various attractive arrangements to demonstrate how seamlessly and practically home refrigeration fits into the domestic cookery landscape. The first decades of the twentieth century saw swift, competitive advancements in electric, residential refrigerators, which were generally quite complicated and costly until in 1927 GE introduced the "Monitor-Top" being advertised here. The product was not completely without fault - the compressor gave off considerable heat and the chemical agents at work were either sulfur dioxide or methyl formulate. The kit offers a contemporary view to the cutting edge of domestic technology, and it was the job of the salesman in 1928 to both assuage some of the anxieties around its introduction to the home and educate the customer in the function and fashion of the unit. To aid in this heroic task, the kit includes a salesman's handbook, which explains the noble history of GE; the mechanics of refrigeration and its apotheosis in the GE refrigerator; the many possible versions on offer; the appeal of associated, likewise-electric water coolers; and the advanced research and development labs at GE Headquarters. Included, too, are promotional materials for Armstrong's Linoleum. Light rubbing to kit pieces. Handbook held in ring binder with decorated limp cloth covers, modestly rubbed. An very good, playful example of commercial strategy, with all materials held in heavy textured cloth-covered, felt-lined carrying case.