A competition launched by iconic British manufacturer Dualit to find its oldest working model has unearthed a 1973 version that is still in use.
Iconic British manufacturer, Dualit launched an international competition to find its oldest working toaster to celebrate its 70th Anniversary.
The winning toaster was hand built in the UK in 1973 by Dualit’s factory foreman at the time and is owned by the Ruddick family based in Hampshire. A fully working model, the toaster’s history goes back three generations to when it was used by Mr Ruddick’s grandmother in her B&B in Southampton, Hampshire. It was then passed on to his father in 1989 for use in the home, and was passed to Mr Ruddick in 1993 where it is still used by the family of six to make breakfast every day.
The Ruddick family will receive a special prize* comprising of a Dualit Classic Kettle, Hand Mixer, Hand Blender Set, Blender, Coffee Machine, Milk Frother, a selection of coffee and tea capsules, as well as a limited edition 70th Anniversary, two-slot Classic Toaster, which is just one of just seventy available.
The competition, which was held to celebrate the firm's 70th anniversary, saw entries from almost every continent across the world, spanning from the UK to Australia.
Dualit regularly hears from its customers who have had their Dualit toaster for years, with many received as treasured wedding gifts, passed down through generations or achieving years of loyal service in cafes, B&Bs and restaurants.
Founded by Max Gort-Barten (CBE) in 1945, Dualit remains an independently owned, third generation family business, which continues to nurture Max’s inventive and entrepreneurial spirit. A commitment to innovation, pushing the boundaries and listening to its customers as well as relying on gut instinct to create products that combine reliability, performance and enduring design is Dualit’s mission. Invention is key to its success and inspires the Dualit family, which is reflected in over 100 patents (granted, pending or expired), design registrations and trademarks the company currently holds.