Toaster

This is part of my occasional series, 'my favourite objects' (actually this is the first!) A few clocks may feature, a book or two maybe, some old tools perchance. The criteria for inclusion will be the opposite of Room 101. They must appeal to me aesthetically, probably be of some use and possibly have a nostalgic connection. This toaster, after the longcase clock in the hall which is 200 years old, is the household's second oldest working domestic machine. I think it predates the white Bush valve radio c 1945 by about ten years. It is an original GEC side flap toaster. The bread goes in the hinged flaps which fold up next to the elements. It browns the bread rapidly while leaving the middle softer. It was invented long before Health and Safety. Freeing the toast with a knife or finger would lead to near certain electrocution! I love the look of it and think it is a perfect marriage of form and function (if you exclude the electrocution bit!)