Frigidaire W-5 1931 Antique Refrigerator - Working and for sale in Northport, AL
Porcelain Antique Frigidaire W-5 Refrigerator - 1931 - Original cooling unit!In the late 1920's and the 1930's household refrigerators were a new thing. Before this, people preserved their food with block ice. Companies were vying for market share with the new "Electric refrigerating machines" introduced on the market. There were few standardized designs. Many unique engineering features went into the fridges of the day.This listing is for a 1931 Frigidaire W-5 model. The W-series Frigidaire refrigerators have a belt-driven (open-drive) compressor system. The open-drive system uses an external motor and "fan belt" to drive the compressor. This is unlike modern refrigerators where the motor and all the mechanical parts are concealed. As with most of the engineering from the 1920'sand 1930's, the design is quite ornate. The late 1920's was when all domestic refrigerator makers were making the shift from open-drive to sealed units like we see today. The belt-drive Frigidaire design existed alongside sealed units from General Electric and Westinghouse. The W-series Frigidaire is considered by many to be the pinnacle of belt-drive domestic refrigerator technology. This was one of the very last models sold with this system before all Frigidaire models were equipped with sealed systems.Belt-driven refrigerators were made obsolete "overnight"by the low-maintenance sealed units which replaced them. For this reason, few remain. Therefore, preserving those which do remain is important. These cooling units are not engineered to be maintenance free. This refrigerator is not for everybody. It is for a person who wants to own a very rare item which retains all of its original characteristics. This fridge works as designed and retains the requirement of periodic service such as motor oiling, belt replacement, and refrigerant topping-up. Upon purchase, I can provide maintenance documentation to assist with proper care.This refrigerator has a white porcelain-enamel cabinet.The finish on the cabinet is original. This is a glass finish, which does not age and deteriorate as paint does. As with an 80 year old household appliance;there are a few chips in the porcelain. The pictures I have attached to this listing show the cabinet from all sides, including the areas where chips and wear are evident. Please look very closely at the pictures and feel free to ask for additional pictures if you see areas of concern which are not clear in the listing pictures. I have prepared the following high-definition video "tour"of this fridge. This will allow you to experience the sound of the compressor,evaporator boiling, and the overall condition of the cabinet. https://youtu.be/qQlgNg_ZTRs This fridge is sold as "mechanically refurbished" but not"restored." People have varying definitions of "restored" which often lead to misunderstandings. This is an original-condition cabinet, which has been cleaned and had the cabinet hardware cleaned and lubricated. All wear parts such as wiring and gaskets have been replaced with new. The refrigerant system has been serviced and charged. The condition of the refrigerator is listed as "used"because it is an antique. The following maintenance has been done to ensure it will continue to provide reliable and trouble-free service.-Power cord, all wiring, and any other deteriorated wiring has been replaced, from end to end. The wiring has not been spliced or joined, it has been replaced with new.-Refrigerant filter-drier installed to ensure reliable operation of the refrigerating system. -All new gaskets installed, including door gasket and compressor cover gasket. This will minimize frost buildup and energy use.-Cabinet hinges and handle mechanism cleaned and lubricated to ensure smooth door operation and reduced wear of hardware.-Refrigerator has been test-run for a minimum of one month without any operational concerns.I am a private individual selling this fridge from my home, however I am offering a limited 90-day "fix or buy back" guarantee. Send a message if interested in the details of the guarantee or other questions about the fridge.This is a valuable antique. It is ready to be used in your vintage décor kitchen, entertainment room, or other indoor place. It is not suitable for use outdoors where exposed to rain, moisture, or extreme temperatures; nor is it suitable for use in a dirt floor building as rust will occur. The asking price reflects the rarity of porcelain cabinet models in such good shape, original working cooling machinery; and the time and materials spent making the repairs. You are welcome to see it at my home workshop located in Northport, Alabama. Look at pictures and video closely for details! Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about this piece of American history!Dimensions:63" tall28" wide23" deep; including handle. Weight:Approximately 275 poundsIncluded in sale:-Refrigerator-Ice trays as shown-Glass drip tray / chiller tray as shown-Selves as shown-Lower cover (compressor cover)-Maintenance information (not shown)-Transport locking hardware (not shown)-Frigidaire Hydrator bin as shownNote well:1 - My work schedule can take me out of town unexpectedly, so please contact me prior to purchasing this item. This is important so that pickup time can be coordinated. 2 - This item is subject to local sale, at which time the eBay listing will be ended.3 - Transportation of the refrigerator is the sole responsibility of the buyer. If you are unable to personally pick up the item in Northport, Alabama I would recommend listing the purchase on uShip for transport quotes. On no account will I participate in any shipping activities.I will however, be able to provide one person (myself) to assist with loading.Thank you sincerely for looking!
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