Name/Title
Western Electric Co. Massager used by Otto Rittler, c. 1920sEntry/Object ID
1996.73.133Description
Acc. No. 96.73.133
Subject Category: Citizens of Alameda - Otto Rittler Collection
Date or Period: early 1900's
Object: Electric vibrator
Description: Black imitation leather-covered box with leather strap handle, held in place at each end with a brass rivet stamped Racine Case Co., Racine, Wisc. Single brass clasp. Pasted to inside of lid is an undated guarantee, paper, from Western Electric Company. Guarantee, which is for one year, has picture of Western Electric factory. Bottom of case is covered with purple silk. Vibrator has five attachments made of hard rubber. Vibrator itself is made of heavy chrome metal with a black composition handle and a silk thread-covered electric cord. Plaque on vibrator reads "pat'd June 24, 1902 - other patents pending."
Size of case: length 11 3/8" x width 7 1/8" x depth 3 3/4".
History of Object: An electric massager used by Otto Rittler on some athletes who had experienced sprains and other medical problems.
Acquired From:
Mrs. Bernice Rittler Lowell
In memory of her father, Otto Rittler
Date: 3/1/96
