National Washboard Co. No. 801 Value Guide

Vintage National Washboard Co. No. 801 Brass Washboard The ... — National Washboard Co. No. 801

Estimated Value

$45 – $50

Period: 1910-1930
Origin: United States
Materials: Wood, Brass
Category: National washboard co.

The National Washboard Co. No. 801 is a quintessential piece of early 20th-century Americana, representing the peak of manual laundry technology from the world's largest washboard manufacturer. As part of the 'Brass King' line, this model is highly collectible for its durable brass scrubbing surface which offered superior rust resistance compared to common zinc alternatives of the 1920s.

What Is National Washboard Co. No. 801 Worth?

The typical price range for National Washboard Co. No. 801 is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

Condition of the brass surface, specifically looking for deep dents, punctures, or heavy verdigris corrosion.
Legibility and darkness of the original wood-burned ink stamps on the header and side rails.
Structural integrity of the wooden frame, including the presence of all original protective slats and lack of dry rot.
Overall patina, where a balanced aged look is often preferred over heavily cleaned or restored wood.

How to Identify National Washboard Co. No. 801?

Look for the 'National Washboard Co.' branding and 'No. 801' model number stamped clearly on the top wooden header.
Verify the scrubbing surface is made of genuine corrugated brass rather than galvanized steel or zinc.
Check for the presence of the protective horizontal wooden slats that characterize the 'Brass King' design.
Confirm the manufacturing locations of Chicago, Memphis, or Saginaw are mentioned in the wood-burned typography.

History of National Washboard Co. No. 801

The National Washboard Company was formed in the late 19th century as a partnership between several regional manufacturers based in Chicago, Memphis, and Saginaw. By the early 20th century, they became the largest washboard producer in the world. The No. 801 model was part of their 'Brass King' line, marketed for its durability and rust-resistance compared to standard zinc models during the peak of manual laundry labor.