This is a 4-slice simultaneous-flip toaster from the late 1920s. It’s called the “Estate Electric Toaster” because it was manufactured by the Estate Stove Company of Hamilton, Ohio. The coils connected to the central square box would heat up when the toaster was turned on. Once one side of the four slices of bread were toasted, you would flip the slices using these knobs. The only drawback was that there was no sensor, so the bread had to be constantly monitored or else you risked starting a fire. Very soon after however, toasters were manufactured were internal timers that would release a spring when the time was up, causing the toast to pop up.

1920s toasters are known for their art deco flair and clever mechanisms that would automatically turn the bread for easy toasting on both sides. Many of them would also “brand” distinctive patterns onto the bread, making them more attractive for the breakfast table. But of all the types of electric toasters that were developed in the 1920s, it would be the pop-up toaster with its timer that would endure.