Maytag Autographs And Memorabilia

Maytag autographs and memorabilia are widely collected.  The founder of the Maytag company, Frederick Louis Maytag, was the son of German immigrants.  Maytag began his first significant foray in business in 1893 when he co-founded a company for making farm implements.  Maytag expanded his manufacturing operations to include washing machines.  Early washing machines manufactured by the Maytag company are avidly sought by collectors. 

The first Maytag washing machine was built in 1907 and the first power washer was built by Maytag in 1909.  The early Maytag washing machines are rarely found outside of museums and homes of Maytag memorabilia collectors.  The Maytag Wringler Washers manufactured by the thousands from 1939 to 1950 command high bids when they are offered on Internet auction sites. 

Signatures of Frederick Maytag occasionally appear in the autograph marketplace on photos, checks, contracts and other types of documents.  Frederick Maytag typically signed as “FL Maytag.”  Documents and photos bearing his full signature are extremely rare.  Autograph dealers have offered photos signed by FL Maytag for many thousands of dollars. 

Collectors also avidly seek memorabilia related to the Maytag Company.  Engraved stock certificates from the Maytag company that were issued between 1929 and 1932 are sold by scripophily dealers.  These beautiful stock are autographed by company executives.  For many years the Maytag Company used the “Maytag Repairman” as a motif for its advertising campaign.  The Maytag Repairman became familiar in television ads, Sears promotional programs, and trade shows. 

The first and most notable of the Maytag repairmen was actor Jesse White who debuted in his role as “the loneliest guy in town” on The Today Show in 1967.  The Maytag Repairman ads were very popular and successful.  Jesse White was replaced by a succession of Maytag Repairmen who included Gordon Jump, Hardy Rawls, and Clay Jackson.  Autographs on photos and documents from the Maytag Repairmen appear on the autograph marketplace. 

What started as a company that was focused on farm implements, evolved into a billion-dollar Fortune 500 company that is considered to be one of the most admired companies in America.  As a result, Maytag autographs and memorabilia are widely collected.