For sale is an antique “THE GLASS KING” WASHBOARD No. 860 from the National Washboard Company, Memphis. This washboard is believed to date to the 1940s and is in excellent condition with minor wear. One panel has crisp graphics and reads: “Trade – The Glass King – Top Notch Soap Saving – Sanitary Front Drain”. The other panel has faded graphics and reads: “National Washboard Company No 860 – Memphis – REG U.S. PAT OFF – Made in USA”. Measures 22 3/4 inches by 13 inches. A great antique prized by collectors for Americana décor.
The first patent for a metal washboard was submitted on February 9, 1833 by S. Rust of New York. This new patented idea for a washboard was made with a piece of fluted tin, sheet iron, copper or zinc. Throughout the years, washboards were not only popular as an everyday necessity of household items, but also became popular with many musicians. Washboards became known as the “poor man’s” instrument due to the musicians’ lack of finances to purchase real musical instruments. Jug bands used washboard as instruments beginning in the 1920s.
Glass washboards were popular during World War II due to a shortage of metal. The body was made of wood, but the scrubbing area was glass. Once the war ended metal became more readily available and companies began making metal washboards once again.
The National Washboard Company’s history traces back to the late 1800s with Wabash Novelty Woods in Indiana, becoming Wabash Screen Door Co. and later moving to Chicago, adding facilities in Minneapolis, Memphis (1901-02), and Saginaw. In 1903, the company officially incorporated as the National Washboard Company to manufacture woodenware and washboards. There were several major washboard companies which includes the Columbus Washboard Company, the Cleveland Washboard Company and the Superior Washboard Company. Out of all the companies, Columbus Washboard Company is the only one still in operation today.
