An Unknown Electric Wheel-Now Known-Pottery Maker by B&I Mfg.

Pottery Maker by B&I Mfg. Burlington, Wis. 1950s-1960s

 

 

I know the picture is very dark, but it was dark outside. In any case, I had a heck of a time finding any information on this wheel. After the label being painstakingly separated from the paint, it was was determined the label read; Pottery Maker by B&I Mfg. Burlington, Wis. This company is no longer in business, but it looks like they sold all sorts of things from crafting supplies to farm implements to who knows what else.

They also sold Gem Makers using pretty much the same setup. They were advertised in Popular Mechanic magazines from the 1950s to the 1960s. The wheel sold for $36.50 and the bench sold separately for $22.50 in the June 1957 issue. You also had to purchase the motor separately and assemble the bench.

The motor works well, the wheel seems to be in good order. I am not sure how long I will be able to use this thing, but for now it will be fun cleaning it up and putting it to good use until something else comes along.

Remember those old Sears Roebuck catalogs - you could buy this from there. Looks like the Gem Maker was much more popular than the Pottery Makers. I haven't really found too much on the actual Pottery Maker version, but the Gem Maker is a good match with lots of other accessories.

Anyone else out there with the Pottery Maker version? Anyone have one at one time? Curious to hear your stories/thoughts. I have added additional photos below...