Posted 8 years ago
doultonmon…
(12 items)
This is probably one of the strangest contraptions the British have ever invented. It is called a Teasmade, not because it makes tea but because the original name was Teesmade, like the river Tees. Teamaid might have been a great name too. This particular one is very rare because it was made for the American market with 120 voltage. You put this on your nightstand, thus the lamp (which would have a bulb and snap on shade). You set the alarm clock to turn on the electric kettle full of water. When it boils it siphons out into the top of the cube tea pot with a tea bag or loose tea. The kettle sits on a pressure plate so when the water is gone it shuts off. Brilliant or crazy? Remember, the English had very cold unheated bedrooms. The little red guy is a Goblin, the company's trademark.
I love it! What year?
Got it...
"A similar electric teamaker was patented by William Hermann Brenner Thornton in association with Goblin in 1933, shortly after Absolom's patent.[4]
Goblin's next model, also invented by William Hermann Brenner Thornton, was patented in 1934 and was manufactured from 1936. This was the first teamaker sold under the name Teasmade. A patent sketch of 1934 shows the essential features.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teasmade
LOL!
"On May 2, 1932 George Absolom submitted an application for a patent on his invention, an electric automatic tea maker. The Patent (number 400672) was passed on November 2, 1933. This invention was manufactured and marketed as the Teesmade.[2]
The word 'teesmade' was certainly initiated by George Absolom and predates the use of the word 'teasmade' by about four years. George Absolom applied for a Registered Design using the name Teesmade, but this was not accepted by the Patent Office on the grounds that the unit was not made on the River Tees and that this might confuse the public. Geographic trademarks were invariably refused at this time, and indeed the Patent Office passed legislation to forbid them in 1938. This legislation has since been relaxed. Although the name could not be formally protected, from 1932 onwards George Absolom continued to trade as Teesmade Co. Goblin were in no position to object, as the name had the indisputable advantage of prior use.[3]"
You wake up and say "Tea's made!"
Just so wonderfully British!
All my older relatives had one of these in some shape or form during 50s, 60s and 70's.
Its not a strange invention but a cultural one, us Brits live on tea or coffee so the UK took these things to heart. The UK has given the world many inventions, Fox Talbot, Dillwyn and Calvert Jones early photography just as start.
Hi, Im located in Canada and own a Goblin Teasmade D25. Unfortunately the light bulbs are burnt out. I see they are 15w 110-120v pygmy bayonet double contact bulbs but the problem is I simply cant find them anywhere. Does anyone know where I can find any/ Thank you Mike
Hi, Mike - I live in Maine and may have a bulb for you. I just inherited my grandparents Goblin Teasmade D25 and have extra bulbs - just not sure if they work. I'm trying to find someone - somewhere - that can tweak my machine if you have any information, I would greatly appreciate it.
Ayn
Hi, mgluss and Peaks4me. :-)
There's a 'fan' website for Teasmade, and it has resources for care, troubleshooting. etc.:
https://www.teasmade.uk/
The only email address I could find associated with it is this one:
sheridan.atishoo@gmail.com
Somebody who had a Goblin Teasmade that wasn't working sought help on this vintage radio forum:
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86456
Which seems like a good idea, because they're a bunch of vintage electronics wonks.
keramikos - Many thanks! I sent an email to Sheradan Hudson yesterday and I'm looking forward to exploring the website you posted. Now to my cuppa.
Peaks4me, You're welcome. :-)
Apparently the go-to person for technical questions is Doug Fennell, but I couldn't find an email for him, so hopefully Sheridan Parsons can forward your email, or point you in the right direction.
Hopefully, they'll also have a solution for people like mgluss who only need a replacement bulb.
keramikos - Thanks again for your help. I have not yet heard from Sheridan Parsons but I've not given up. The more I learn about Teasmade, the more anxious I am to give my grandparents one new life.