National Washboard Company No. 801 Value Guide

The National Washboard Company No. 801 is a quintessential piece of early 20th-century Americana, prized for its durable ribbed glass scrubbing surface. Produced during the joint venture's peak years between 1910 and 1940, these boards are highly collectible because they represent the transition from rust-prone metal to fabric-safe glass materials.

What Is National Washboard Company No. 801 Worth?

The typical price range for National Washboard Company No. 801 is $35 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the glass surface, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or heavy mineral staining.
• Legibility and darkness of the original ink stamps on the wooden frame and header.
• Structural integrity of the wood, including the presence of original nails and lack of dry rot.
• Regional demand for early 20th-century domestic laundry tools and farmhouse decor.

How to Identify National Washboard Company No. 801?

• Look for the 'National Washboard Company' branding and the specific 'No. 801' model number stamped on the wooden header.
• Verify the scrubbing surface is made of heavy, ribbed glass rather than zinc or brass.
• Check for manufacturing location stamps indicating Chicago, Saginaw, or Memphis on the wooden frame.
• Examine the wood for the characteristic mortise and tenon joints used in early 20th-century construction.

History of National Washboard Company No. 801

During the early 20th century, glass washboards became popular as an alternative to metal ones because they did not rust or snag delicate fabrics. The National Washboard Company, a joint venture between several manufacturers, dominated the market from its hubs in Chicago, Saginaw, and Memphis, producing millions of these household essentials until the widespread adoption of electric washing machines.