electric massager, PIFCO Ltd, 1947 - 1948

Historical information

Lottie Bulmer (wife of Mr Frank Bulmer, Orbost) originally owned the massager. It was given to Di Cunningham by her sister Barbara who married Les Bulmer, Lottie and Frank's son,. After Les died, Barbara gave it to Di Cunningham, her sister, Di kept it for about a year.
Pifco manufactured personal massaging equipment between 1948 and about 1968 (the first appeared about 1935).

Significance

These devices were promoted as being able deal with all kinds of complaints, from headaches, pain relief and flatulence to hair loss and gout. It is an example of an early electrical appliance.

Physical description

3081.1 is an orange and white cardboard box - in black print on top is "PIFCO Electric Massager". It is the original container.
Inside is an electric appliance with three attachable massage red coloured caps. There is an electric cord with a plug. The handle has ridges for gripping. There is a special control knob - possibly bakelite.
There is a 15 pp instruction manual - 3081.3.

Inscriptions & markings

Reg. no 852269

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