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Though toast made its appearance in ancient Egypt, the seminal development in toast making occurred just 100 years ago, in 1905.
Prior to that year, toasters were manual or mechanical affairs allowing the placement of bread near a fire. There had been an attempt to "electrify" the toaster as early as 1893 by Crompton & Company in Britain, but there were no known materials that could repeatedly - without melting or breaking - withstand the current necessary to generate enough radiant energy (heat) to make toast. (The caramelization of bread at 310 degrees Fahrenheit - the Maillard reaction - produces toast.)
It was not until Albert Marsh, an American engineer, patented Chromel (or NiChrome), an alloy of nickel and chromium, in 1905 that electric toasters and other current-resistant appliances, such as irons, kettles, hair dryers, and space heaters, became feasible.
Several companies and inventors hurried to capitalize on the properties of the new metal, but it was left to General Electric (GE) to patent, in 1909, what is widely regarded as "the first commercially successful electric toaster," the D-12. At online auctions today, D-12 toasters fetch several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on condition.
By the late 1920s, toasters were offered in a variety of designs and materials, from porcelain and enameled metal to chrome and Bakelite. The Toastmaster 1A1, invented in 1926, was the first to automatically pop-up the toast when done. This, coupled with the invention of sliced bread in 1933, made the toaster a "must-have" appliance. Everyone had to have one, and manufacturers obliged by turning out units in quantity.
In fact, toasters have been produced in such numbers that the majority sell for much less than $100 at most online auctions, with condition, as always, an important factor when determining value. Most old toasters are rendered virtually worthless by dings, rust, and broken or missing parts, but if you're lucky enough to find a relatively rare model in like-new condition (with box and instructions!), you could find yourself several thousand dollars richer!
For more detailed information on this collectible, the following resources are recommended:
Books
"Collector's Guide to Toasters & Accessories: Identification & Values," by Helen Greguire
http://digbig.com/4kwep
"Toasters 1909-1960: A Look at the Ingenuity and Design of Toaster Makers," by E. Townsend Artman
http://digbig.com/4kweq
"Toasters & Small Appliances"
http://digbig.com/4kwer
Websites
Household Appliances History Part 2 - Irons & Toasters
http://www.greatachievements.org/?id=3773
The National Academy of Engineering offers "The Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century." Household Appliances (toasters) ranked 15th on the list of 20. Also, entertainingly brief history of electric toaster.
Jack and Beverly's Toaster Collectibles
http://brightbytes.com/collection/toaster.html
Salt-and-pepper sets, teapots, cookie jars, and more - all shaped like toasters. Who said that toasters had to be real to be collectible! And check out the section on toy toasters - complete with fake toast!
Simply Switch On...!
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul.linnell/sso/ssocollection.html
"A virtual museum of small early electrical appliances" from toasters and vacuums to irons and hair curlers.
Toaster Film Festival
http://www.state.sc.us/arts/toaster/entries.htm
The South Carolina Arts Commission is seeking entries for its annual Toaster Film Festival. (Check site for rules, eligibility, and entry form.)
The Toaster Museum Foundation
http://www.toaster.org
Probably the most exhaustive site devoted to this collectible. Photos, facts, history, hints, articles, links, and much, much more!
Toastermuseum.com
http://www.toastermuseum.com/index.htm
Considered "the largest online toaster exhibition" with photos and information on almost 200 models. Great links, more.
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