Antique Superior Electric Curling Iron Heater with Marcel Hair Tongs | 1920s–1930s Canadian Hair Styling Set

**FOR SALE ☞** Antique Superior No. 29 electric curling iron heater with accompanying Marcel hair curling tongs, manufactured in Canada during the early 20th century, likely circa 1920s–1930s. Tested and working.

**DESCRIPTION ☞** An early Canadian electric curling iron heater manufactured by Superior Electrics Ltd. of Pembroke, Ontario, accompanied by a pair of period hair curling tongs bearing the markings MARCEL and STABIL.

Before electrically heated curling irons became commonplace, separate metal curling tongs were heated using specialized appliances such as this one. The metal portion of the curling iron was inserted into the heater's cylindrical opening until sufficiently warmed, after which the tongs were manually operated to shape waves and curls in the hair.

This type of equipment was associated with early 20th-century hairdressing practices, particularly the carefully sculpted waves and curled hairstyles fashionable during the 1920s and 1930s.

The Canadian-made heater features a polished, warm-toned metal cylindrical housing supported by four decorative metal legs with rounded black feet. A metal manufacturer's identification plate is mounted on the side of the housing, bearing the Superior script name and the following specifications:

- Manufacturer: Superior Electrics Ltd.
- Place of manufacture: Pembroke, Canada
- Model: No. 29
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Power: 110 watts
- H.E.P.C. Approval No. 136

The heater retains a distinctive black woven fabric-covered electrical cord featuring repeating yellow woven markings, a coiled metal strain protector and an early two-prong electrical plug.

The accompanying curling tongs feature two elongated reddish-brown handles with metal fittings and a hinged steel construction. Their long, tapered heating surfaces open and close using a scissor-like mechanism, allowing hair to be held between the heated sections. The markings MARCEL and STABIL are stamped into the metal near the hinge.

An example of this same Superior No. 29 heater is documented in the collections of Ingenium, Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation, where comparable equipment is identified with early 20th-century hairstyling practices.

The heater and curling tongs are separate period pieces offered together. Their original association cannot be confirmed.

An interesting surviving example of early Canadian electrical manufacturing and the history of hairdressing, suitable for an antique grooming collection, historical beauty salon display, period vanity arrangement or theatrical prop collection.

**DIMENSIONS ☞ (approximately)**

Electric heater:
- Length: 18 cm (7")
- Width: 10 cm (4")
- Height: 9 cm (3.5")

Curling tongs:
- Overall length: 29–31 cm (11.5–12.25")

Measurements are approximate and should be verified before purchase.

**CONDITION ☞** Good antique condition with visible wear consistent with age, previous handling and storage.

The heater's polished metal housing displays surface scratches, tarnishing, discolouration and areas of dulling to the finish. The decorative metal supports and all four black feet are present. The original manufacturer's identification plate remains intact and legible.

**Both the electric heater and accompanying Marcel curling tongs have been tested and are functional.** The heater warms quickly and produces substantial heat, while the curling tongs retain their working hinged mechanism and open and close as intended.

The curling tongs display age-related oxidation, darkening, surface scratches and spotting to the metal. The reddish-brown handles retain their finish with minor marks and wear.

The original-style woven electrical cord remains attached and shows age-related wear, including loose fibres and some fraying near the heater connection. The vintage plug also displays signs of age and previous use.

Although functional during testing, this antique electrical appliance has not undergone a professional electrical safety inspection. It is offered primarily as a historical collectible and display piece. Inspection by a qualified electrician is recommended before further electrical use.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.