Actually, Tappan was first with the Fabulous 400 high oven ranges. The ones with side-swing upper oven doors like Tappan, Westinghouse, Roper & GE were cheaper to build than the spring-loaded glide up doors like on the Flair and Hotpoint Hallmark. I think Westinghouse was the only manufacturer to offer built-in ovens with side swing doors, but they seemed like an awful burn hazard. They were cheaper to build than regular ovens with spring-loaded doors that opened down.

That metal door is a bad trip. Thanks for posting the pictures.

The stainless door is not my choice either. Since I often cook with wine (in me not the food) I'm afraid I'd suddenly look up from the range and scare the hell out of myself!