An early 20th-century household washboard featuring a sturdy natural wood frame and a corrugated clear glass scrubbing surface. The rectangular frame is constructed with two extended legs at the base and a blank protective wooden header at the top, while the reverse features a built-in recessed soap shelf. This utilitarian object represents a classic piece of domestic social history, showcasing the transition from metal to glass components in early-to-mid-20th-century laundry tools.

Product Specifications

• Period: Early 20th Century (circa 1920–1940)
• Origin: Likely North American
• Material / Technique: Hand-assembled wood frame, molded corrugated glass
• Materials: Wood, glass
• Decorative Details: Ribbed glass scrubbing face, open soap well on reverse
• Colour & Surface: Natural weathered wood patina, clear glass with minor surface wear
• Condition: Weathered wood frame with minor staining and oxidation to nails; glass insert is intact with no visible cracks, showing light surface dirt in crevices

History

Glass washboards gained widespread popularity in North America during the early to mid-20th century, particularly during the World War II era when metal was rationed for the war effort. Prior to this, zinc and brass were the primary materials used for the scrubbing surface. These durable glass-paneled washboards became a staple of rural and urban households alike, valued for their rust-free durability and ease of cleaning. Today, they are highly collectible examples of early industrial design and domestic Americana.