Historical information

Creda had its origins in two companies: the Simplex Steel Conduit Company Ltd. (later Simplex Conduits Ltd.) formed in 1898, and the Credenda Company Ltd. which was the first to use Creda as a brand name. These companies were two of the founding companies of Tube Investments Ltd. From 1919, the Simplex name was used for installation equipment ranges, and Creda for heating, cooking and other domestic appliances. In 1932 Simplex Conduits Ltd. and the Credenda Company Ltd. merged to form the Simplex Electric Company Ltd., but the distinct Simplex and Creda brands continued in use. In 1987 the Simplex Electric Company was taken over by General Electric Company, and formed part of General Domestic Appliance Company Ltd. the following year. In 2015 the large corporation, Whirlpool, took over the Indesit Appliance Company, which owns the Creda brand name. Since then the Creda brand as such has become rare, and where it does appear it is as a re-badged version of Indesit and Hotpoint home appliances.

Significance

This iron is typical of the electric irons used in the 1950s. It is representative of appliances used by women in their domestic roles.

Physical description

A "Creda" Electric Iron with plug-in cord. It has a metal steel base iron with a wooden handle and a thumb rest. The handle is bolted onto the iron with 2 large screws. The cord socket plugs in behind the handle of the iron.

Inscriptions & markings

On attached metal plate: "CREDA/ Cat. No 6; Volts 240; AMPS 8"