Electric massagers

Massage of the body was seen as vital for 'maintaining a healthy condition of the skin and nervous system and promoting correct circulation' (from a 1936 appliance catalogue). Early electric massagers assumed an uncompromising machine-like appearance, using nickel-plated steel castings and thick wooden handles, with little concession to safety for the user. From the mid-1930s, new models produced in Bakelite were safer, lighter and more pleasant to use. A wide range of attachments was usually included to invigorate parts of the body, usually illustrated in great detail in the instructions leaflet. The popular Pifco massager first appeared in the early-1930s and, after several restyles, was still being offered in the 1970s.

1910 Arnold Electric Co.
1935 Pifco
1948 Pifco 1056
1960 Pifco 1156

c1910

Arnold Electric Co.

USA Wisconsin

Possibly earlier than 1910. Typical pioneer vibratory massager of basic design with motor dangerously exposed. Nickel-plated cast motor shell, black wood handle, rubber fittings. Leatherette-covered wooden box with purple satin cloth trim. Four massage heads included of various materials and profiles. Arnold Electric Co. name change to Hamilton Beach c.1910. May have been known as the Hamilton Beach 'New Life' model after 1912.

c1935

Pifco

Foreign

First Pifco massager of foreign design. Plain brown cylindrical phenol plastic body and handle, separate ornate black phenol plastic switch mounted on dark green flex. Chocolate brown rexine-covered storage case with mirror inside lid and 'Pifco' in silvered lettering on top. Replaced by Pifco model 1056. Four massage heads included of various materials and profiles.

1948

Pifco model 1056

UK Manchester

Second Pifco vibratory massager of UK design. Popular model; produced 1948-c1968. Streamlined cube-shaped body with curved handle, matching later Pifco hair dryer, in ivory urea plastic. Four massage heads included of various profiles in red rubber/black phenol plastic. Spring flex support, separate ivory switch (switch integral post c1950). Registered design number 852,269 (1948).

Click here for the 1948 promotional leaflet.

1960

Pifco model 1156

UK Manchester

Floor-mounted foot massager. Short life-time; produced 1961-c1965. Cream urea plastic case with brown phenol plastic vibrating dome on which feet are placed. Black foam rubber supports. On/off switch, no adjustment for vibration as with Pifco hand-held massagers. Registered design number 897,297 (1960).

Click here for the instructions leaflet.

c1910 Arnold Electric Co. USA Wisconsin Possibly earlier than 1910. Typical pioneer vibratory massager of basic design with motor dangerously exposed. Nickel-plated cast motor shell, black wood handle, rubber fittings. Leatherette-covered wooden box with purple satin cloth trim. Four massage heads included of various materials and profiles. Arnold Electric Co. name change to Hamilton Beach c.1910. May have been known as the Hamilton Beach 'New Life' model after 1912.
c1935 Pifco Foreign First Pifco massager of foreign design. Plain brown cylindrical phenol plastic body and handle, separate ornate black phenol plastic switch mounted on dark green flex. Chocolate brown rexine-covered storage case with mirror inside lid and 'Pifco' in silvered lettering on top. Replaced by Pifco model 1056. Four massage heads included of various materials and profiles.
1948 Pifco model 1056 UK Manchester Second Pifco vibratory massager of UK design. Popular model; produced 1948-c1968. Streamlined cube-shaped body with curved handle, matching later Pifco hair dryer, in ivory urea plastic. Four massage heads included of various profiles in red rubber/black phenol plastic. Spring flex support, separate ivory switch (switch integral post c1950). Registered design number 852,269 (1948). Click here for the 1948 promotional leaflet.
1960 Pifco model 1156 UK Manchester Floor-mounted foot massager. Short life-time; produced 1961-c1965. Cream urea plastic case with brown phenol plastic vibrating dome on which feet are placed. Black foam rubber supports. On/off switch, no adjustment for vibration as with Pifco hand-held massagers. Registered design number 897,297 (1960). Click here for the instructions leaflet.