Antiques & Collecting: Hunzinger created ‘modern gothic’ daybed

George Hunzinger (1835-1898) was born in Germany and trained as a cabinetmaker. In 1855, he emigrated to the United States and started making his own style of furniture, chairs and tables made of wood or wire — inspired by pipes, machinery and his 21 patented designs and methods.

He invented or improved extension, swivel top and nesting tables; reclining and folding chairs; platform rockers; convertible beds; and a woven seat made of fabric-covered wire.

A woven wire bed was sold recently by Neal Auction Co. It had an adjustable back and curved arms, but most importantly, it still had the original fabric-wrapped metal wire webbing Hunzinger patented in 1879. It sold for $3,125.

This new material cut the cost of making a chair, and he sold his novel chairs for the low price of $30. Collectors have no trouble recognizing his work because most of it is stamped with his name and the patent date.

He made copies of his furniture in a variety of wood finishes and upholstery materials that were bought by a diverse range of customers. And he had sales offices, agents and catalogs in many countries. Hunzinger furniture was very different from the period designs, and the Neal catalog called the daybed a “modern gothic” piece.

I’d like some information and value for a toy washing machine I played with about 1932. It’s labeled “Busy Betty Washing Machine, No. 354” and says, “Patent Applied for, the Hoge Manufacturing Co. Inc., New York, N.Y., USA.” It’s metal with white enamel paint, glass tub and removable wringer. It’s 10 1/2 inches high and is in perfect condition.

Hampden Hoge started the Hoge Manufacturing in 1909. At first, it made office supplies. It started making toys in 1931. Toy washing machines, sweepers, sewing machines, cars, trains and other toys were made.

The No. 354 model Busy Betty Washing Machine was listed in the company’s 1936 catalog, which said the machine “actually washes” and “grownups can use it to wash handkerchiefs and other small items.” A slightly different model was made later.

Production ended in 1939, and the company was sold to the Mattatuck Manufacturing Co. The value of your toy washing machine is about $360, more if in mint condition.

Current Prices

Scarf, retro, silk, pink, blue and purple circles, black ground, Bob Mackie, 1960s, 20 x 69 inches, $20.

Soda fountain canister, Carnation malted milk, milk glass, red and green letters, aluminum lid, 8 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches, $85.

Sunderland pitcher, pink luster, transfer decoration including Mason's Arms, sailors' verses, England, c. 1810, 9 1/4 inches, $130.

Sampler, needlepoint, cross-stitch, houses, family, horse, carriage, flowers, frame, 1960s, 11 x 13 inches, $150.

Tip: Never push antique furniture across the floor. Pick it up. Old furniture may have weak glue joints and may be damaged in the process.