Shaded Avocado Sears Kenmore Washer and Dryer

I am with Kenny in some ways --- this console isn't my top favorite on Kenmores, but they look pretty dandy on these in Avocado. James/70-series and I did have a lot of fun a few weeks ago looking up and discussing the 12+ models that we could find or think of that used this basic console panel in varying colors, knob styles, etc. Sears got their use out of the forms/molds that were used to make that panel, for sure.

The pair in this ad is really quite special. I am tempted to call them 'unusual', but the more I learn about Kenmores, the less that's probably a valid adjective. Why are these 'special'? Well, the set's ancestory hails from 1970. These were a very popular pair. We've seen many of them on the site over the years, and I myself have had at least three over the years that were either trade-ins or that I refurbed and sold. Most of these we ever see are white. I suspect they may have have only been available in white at first, either that or color didn't appeal to the MOL buyers vs the TOL buyers where Lady Kenmores seem to be most common in color.

One of the coolest things about these is that they are 1973 (or later) build examples. I didn't realize that they lasted that far into the 70s. The washer has the 1972 lid revision (lack of handle with new hand notch instead) and the dryer has the 1973 door handle, without the 1972 awning style handle. These models originally had the chromed metal handle that was so common in the later 60s.

The washer also has 1973's plastic tub ring. I wasn't sure I liked them when they first came out, as they so changed the appearance under the hood which as a 9-year old was so important to me. Just as everything in production got the revised lid very early in 1972, all output in spring 1973 was swapped over to have the plastic tub rings.

The machines look to be in great condition, but also of fairly low use. The fact that the washer's console hasn't peeled away in the cycle graphics area due to water vapor/steam coming up is a sign that this machine wasn't used a huge amount. The tub looks very shiny as well. I don't see a lot of wear in the dryer either, but what is odd is that both door hinge cables are broken or missing. You'd be surprised how heavy those doors are without them.

Anyway, I pondered these for about 180 seconds then decided to write the seller. He nicely responded this morning that the set had been sold. So, at least I don't have to drive to Smithfield, as I surely did not need this, but it woulda been fun, :-) Best part is they were fun to look at online, and it didn't cost anything, so thanks very much Phil for posting these and for all the postings you do!

Gordon


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Post# 873320 3/19/2016 at 09:32 (2,957 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )
Checkrate/Likes CLICK HERE TO GO TO ovrphil's LINK on Raleigh Craigslist View Full Size

Post# 873325 , Reply# 1 3/19/2016 at 09:55 (2,957 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)
Checkrate/Likes 2 Never cared for that console, but it looks pretty good against avocado.

Post# 873467 , Reply# 2 3/20/2016 at 09:40 (2,956 days old) by kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Lots to say about these...* I am with Kenny in some ways --- this console isn't my top favorite on Kenmores, but they look pretty dandy on these in Avocado. James/70-series and I did have a lot of fun a few weeks ago looking up and discussing the 12+ models that we could find or think of that used this basic console panel in varying colors, knob styles, etc. Sears got their use out of the forms/molds that were used to make that panel, for sure. The pair in this ad is really quite special. I am tempted to call them 'unusual', but the more I learn about Kenmores, the less that's probably a valid adjective. Why are these 'special'? Well, the set's ancestory hails from 1970. These were a very popular pair. We've seen many of them on the site over the years, and I myself have had at least three over the years that were either trade-ins or that I refurbed and sold. Most of these we ever see are white. I suspect they may have have only been available in white at first, either that or color didn't appeal to the MOL buyers vs the TOL buyers where Lady Kenmores seem to be most common in color. One of the coolest things about these is that they are 1973 (or later) build examples. I didn't realize that they lasted that far into the 70s. The washer has the 1972 lid revision (lack of handle with new hand notch instead) and the dryer has the 1973 door handle, without the 1972 awning style handle. These models originally had the chromed metal handle that was so common in the later 60s. The washer also has 1973's plastic tub ring. I wasn't sure I liked them when they first came out, as they so changed the appearance under the hood which as a 9-year old was so important to me. Just as everything in production got the revised lid very early in 1972, all output in spring 1973 was swapped over to have the plastic tub rings. The machines look to be in great condition, but also of fairly low use. The fact that the washer's console hasn't peeled away in the cycle graphics area due to water vapor/steam coming up is a sign that this machine wasn't used a huge amount. The tub looks very shiny as well. I don't see a lot of wear in the dryer either, but what is odd is that both door hinge cables are broken or missing. You'd be surprised how heavy those doors are without them. Anyway, I pondered these for about 180 seconds then decided to write the seller. He nicely responded this morning that the set had been sold. So, at least I don't have to drive to Smithfield, as I surely did not need this, but it woulda been fun, :-) Best part is they were fun to look at online, and it didn't cost anything, so thanks very much Phil for posting these and for all the postings you do! Gordon

Post# 873477 , Reply# 3 3/20/2016 at 11:48 (2,956 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )
Checkrate/Likes *Gordon and all...* This set appealed to me for the color working with the conservative design; wouldn't be the same with white, as you mentioned. The ad was 24 days old, so I'm not surprised they're sold. Even though I've been hangin' around here for a little more than 3 years, it's always interesting to read someone's story or thoughts about an appliance. Back to this set, I thought that the charcoal(or black)and lighter gray panel color works well with the shaded avocado, or vomacado if you prefer. Anyways...it's as much fun reading comments on all the postings, as it is posting them or reading others postings. Gordon, you're welcome and thanks - always good to get a response from you. :-)

Post# 873488 , Reply# 4 3/20/2016 at 12:43 (2,956 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)
Checkrate/Likes These are very nice. I am in agreement with Gordon about them being special for the same reasons. I never have seen this model in color, and I thought 1972 would have been the last year it was issued. My aunt, my friend's mom, and two other families around my neighborhood had the original 1970 model with the metal lid handle and mercury safety switch, so seeing these consoles is very nostalgic for me. My friend's mom was the only one of the four mentioned that had the set. As Gordon said above, the lack of fading on the console, especially at the base of the control panel area indicates very low use. All four of the washers that I saw as a kid had significant fading early on. I hope they went to a good home. Have a good one, James