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Object Timeline

1937

  • Work on this object began.

1993

  • We acquired this object.

2012

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Manning-Bowman Automatic Iron

This is a Iron. It was manufactured by Manning-Bowman. It is dated 1937 and we acquired it in 1993. Its medium is cast and polished metal, molded phenolic plastic. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Founded in the mid-nineteenth century, Manning-Bowman & Co. was one of the first houseware manufacturers in the U.S. Soon after the turn of the twentieth century the firm became an early producer of electric appliances for the home, utilizing new materials and forms as the century progressed. The model 2492 was a thermostat iron that integrated a polished metal body with a light, strong molded phenolic resin handle, presenting an efficient streamlined form for the modern consumer of the 1940s.

This object was donated by Carole Krohn. It is credited Gift of Carole Krohn.

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Its dimensions are

12.2 x 23.8 x 11.3 cm (4 13/16 x 9 3/8 x 4 7/16 in.)

It has the following markings

Stamped on underside of heel plate: 6-37 / MANNING-BOWMAN / MERIDEN, CONN, U.S.A. / PAT RE: 17107-1448240-1481021-156-1437 / VOLTS ?????/ WATTS 1000 / ARTICLE NO. 1492 / ALTERNATING CURRENT ONLY

Cite this object as

Manning-Bowman Automatic Iron; Manufactured by Manning-Bowman & Co.; USA; cast and polished metal, molded phenolic plastic; 12.2 x 23.8 x 11.3 cm (4 13/16 x 9 3/8 x 4 7/16 in.); Gift of Carole Krohn; 1993-126-1

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18643521/ |title=Manning-Bowman Automatic Iron |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=23 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>