Crazy Ads From 1952
Dangerous products and fantastic claims; ya gotta love these vintage ads!
What the..?
Air Cushion appliance? I’m pretty sure this is an anti-hernia apparatus, but they really don’t go out of their way to clarify. I suppose it’s the 1952 version of clickbait. But they claim “Thousands Happy,” with their “…heavenly comfort and security…,” so there’s that.
Be all that you can be
Locksmithing, Hypnotism, Super Ju Jitsu, Swedish Body Massage, that sounds like a pretty wild party! And, if you order two or more items and send in a special coupon (closer look below) you will receive, free of charge, the most unusual text, “HOW TO GET ALONG IN THIS WORLD.” It’s the mother of all self-help books.
The combo platter
Combination tools like this were much more common years ago. This one cuts, polishes, grinds, sands, drills, and mixes. It’s not unlike the Ridgid JobMax platform (below). But I’m guessing that the tools below costs more than $26.88.
Remote Control
Sure, it might not be as convenient as a modern day six-zone irrigation system, but it’s remote control people! I get the pulling the hose bit, but I’m not exactly sure how one pushes a hose?
Offend your friends and family!
All of these ads came from old issues of The Family Handyman (A CPT sister publication), but that doesn’t mean we can’t poke fun at ourselves. I wonder how many guys who used these cards had to build a doghouse…for themselves. I also love the claim that you can save up to $2000 per issue; now that’s a bargain!
Check out these ads from 1951 (below)
Is this a good deal?
At first glance, $46.50 seems a pretty fair price for a Tilt Arbor Saw (aka table saw). But never forget to read the fine print, people: “Less extensions, switch and motor.” No motor? I’m guessing there were at least a few unboxing disappointments with this bad boy. Never before- SO MUCH DECEPTION, for SO LITTLE MONEY!
All for $5.85!
At first, I thought it was just the magnet organizer, but “A carefully selected trio…” is also included. That’s a pretty good deal. Although I’m not sure what a “tool house” is.
3-1/2-IN-1
This is a lot of tool for under $15. I’m dubious that the blower on this machine is useful enough to be categorized as “1” of the “4” tools. I’ll give it a 1/2. And why did they call it a “jig saw” when it looks like a scroll saw? At least this tool actually comes with a motor and a switch.
Fire-breathing tablet
A 2000-deg. torch without an off-switch, strapped to the end of a toothbrush, what could go wrong? I wonder how many houses burnt down before they pulled this fire-hazard-nightmare from the shelves? Admittedly, however, if these tablets were still available I would absolutely have a box of them in my shop. Not sure what I would use them for- probably some practical joke that I would later regret.
No motor?
Apparently selling tools without motors was a thing back in 1951. The Speedy Spray 444 can be powered with an electric motor or gas engine.
Metal is scarce!
Metal is so scarce that they couldn’t afford to cover up the electric motor’s copper coil windings. I’m thinking it might be best to skip the “mixing” process with this electric work kit. Remember kids: liquids + electricity = no good.
Fear sells
After seeing this guy getting conked in the head with a flying board, you’re darn right I’m buying a PTI Original Safety Blade. After all its, “tested and approved by leading laboratories, government agencies, and industrial concerns.” I’m thinking the “government agencies” might just be a brother-in-law who works for the post office? Hmmmm.
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