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I began collecting antique vibrators around 1997
when I began finding them while out hunting for
typewriters and other antiques. I thought some of
the vibrators were interesting so I began buying
them. I have been collecting aggressively and have
assembled an extensive collection with many unusual
examples.
This is my public display for some of the more
unusual items in my collection. This site is new
and is little more then a shell of what I would
like to make it. Currently I am focusing on getting
more pictures posted with a little information
about the items. Only a portion of the collection
is currently represented on this web site, I plan
to add the majority of my collection as time
permits and there are many interesting items yet to
be added.
I have two major objectives in developing this
site. The first is to provide a forum for the
public display of one of my more unusual
collections. The second is to create a resource of
information on the history of massage vibrators. I
use several sources of information for preparing
and updating this site and put considerable effort
into assuring the accuracy of the information
provided. Some information comes from books and the
web. Primary sources of information include trade
catalogs, advertisements, user manuals,
manufactures data plates, and patent records.
The value of massage in physical therapy has
been well know for thousands of years and massage
is by no means considered medical quackery. From
the late 1800's to the early 1900's when medical
quackery was in it's heyday, vibrators were
marketed as a cure for all that ails you earning
them a classification as quack medical in the field
of collectibles.
The vibrator has an especially amusing place in
medical history in that it was invented in the
1860's to aid doctors in the treatment of what was
then a common female nervous condition known as
hysteria. Independent scholar Rachel P. Maines
encountered the early history of the vibrator when
she began finding ads for vibrators in early
women's publications wile researching a graduate
study on textile arts in the late 1970's and early
1980's. After graduating Rachel Maines became
increasingly curious about the subject and began
extensive research into the history of vibrators.
She has published several papers on the subject and
an award
winning book titled "The
Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria," the Vibrator, and
Women's Sexual Satisfaction" a review of the
book can be found here.
Why a person collects anything in particular is
a mystery often even to the people who collect.
There are a variety of reasons I will purchase a
particular vibrator for my collection. I am
especially interested in the very old or unusual
examples. Like many collectors I tend to develop
themes or groups within my collection and will
purchase items that fit in with established themes.
Some vibrators I acquire to fill in gaps in the
time line of design represented in my collection.
Many are purchased simply because I liked the name.
I am actively expanding this part of my
collection so if you have an item that you think
would go with my collection I would be delighted to
hear from you.
A note to researchers: I do try to find the time
to respond to request from researchers for
information but am often not that good at keeping
up with email. Try not to wait till the last minute
to ask questions. If I don't get back to you in a
few days sometimes it helps to email me again.
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