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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin - November 1956 - Gas Ranges and Portable Typewriters
For November of '56 Consumer Bulletin tests full size gas ranges. Brands include: Caloric Ultramatic, Chambers, Detroit Jewell, Florence Custom Deluxe, Kenmore Twin Oven, Magic Chef, Maytag Dutch Oven , Montgomery Ward, Norge, Roper, Tappan and Welbuilt DeLuxe

Other interesting reports in this issue include:

Portable Typewriters ((Erika 10, Everest Jolson, Olympia DeLuxe SM3, Optima Elite 3, Remington Quiet-Riter, Remington TraveiRiter, Royal Quiet DeLux e , Smith-Corona Silent - Super, Underwood Deluxe Quiet Tab and the Underwood Leader).

Car Radiator Ornaments,
Automobile Anti-Freeze,
Amana Refrigerator-Freezer Combination,
Power Chain Saws (13 Brands).
Trade Publications 1956 32 28mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin - February 1958
Consumer Bulletin magazine was a product rating company that was started in 1928. This issue contains full descriptions/story, ratings and charts for 1958 Automatic Dishwashers. Brands rated include: American Kitchens, Frigidaire, General Electric, Hotpoint, James, Kelvinator, KitchenAid, RCA Whirlpool, Westinghouse and Youngstown.

The brands are segregated between Recommended and Intermediate. Before you read the article see if you can guess which brands will be put in which category. To my surprise I got it completely wrong!

Other ratings include:
Those unreadable labels on food packages
Motor scooters from Europe
The 1958 Rambler- Discussion and rating
How to choose a pair of binoculars
Hazardous new electric teapots
A word of caution for car owners
Adhesives for household use
Electronic organs for the home, with ratings of spinet models
Safeguarding electrical equipment by grounding
New 35 mm. cameras and slide projectors
Moisture in fuel oil tanks
Electric lamp bulbs
The heating system of your school and its controls
Miscellaneous 1958 40 38mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin Magazine - October 1959
Consumer Bulletin was a highly respected consumer product information magazine from the 1930's onward. It was the main competitor to Consumer Reports from the 1930's through the 1960's.

Articles on Products and Ratings in this issue include:
  • Anti-freeze

  • Floor waxes (brands tested: Aerowax, Beacon, Beautiflor, Butcher, Continental, Ful-Gleam, Fullustre, Johnson's Glo-Coat, Johnson's Paste, Kengrip, Klear, Preen, Sears Maid of Honor, Simoniz, Stanley, Stride, Wilbert)

  • Should you wax your floors?

  • Pop-up toasters (brands tested: Fostoria, General Electric, Hamilton Beach, Nelson, Toastmaster, Westinghouse)

  • Painting of galvanized steel

  • Painkillers and "cold remedies"

  • Patent medicines bought over the druggist’s counter without prescription may often be dangerous

  • Home is where the hazard is...
    You can’t be too careful around moving machinery— many household appliances have their perils. One unsafe condition or one unsafe act may be the cause of an accident. If both occur, as may happen, you, or a child in the home, are likely to be in real trouble

  • Low-priced stereo amplifier

  • Three stereo pickup cartridges (brands tested: General Electric, Shure Custom, Shure Professional).

  • Removing tree stumps

  • Paint at a bargain?

  • "National Titanium" is with us again

  • Misleading labels on electric appliances

  • Single-solution processing of photographic film

  • First, send for the fire department—unskilled attempts to put out fires are often futile, may be fatal

  • Clippings on matters of consumer interest are welcome

  • Eliminating bats


Regular Features Include:
  • The Consumers’ Observation Post

  • Brief cumulative index

  • Editorial What is a good television program, and who says so?

  • Listings of Current Phonograph Records

  • Ratings of Current Motion Pictures


Trade Publications 1959 40 33mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin Magazine - April 1959
Consumer Bulletin was a highly respected consumer product information magazine from the 1930's onward. It was the main competitor to Consumer Reports from the 1930's through the 1960's.

Articles on Products and Ratings in this issue include:
  • How to take care of the finish on your car

  • 1959 Automobiles

  • Information on Safety, Full Price Lists, Depreciation, Air suspension, Brakes, Choice of transmission and gear ratio, Decreased braking, and starting problems, with automatic transmissions, Present and future design trends, Durability of car bodies

    Special In Depth Reports
    1959 Plymouth, 1959 Rambler Rebel V-8, 1959 Rambler American
    CR's recommendations in six price groups

    Table showing important specifications and test results for the following 1959 cars:
    Buick LeSabreV-8
    Buick Invicta V-8
    Buick Electra V-8
    Cadillac 62 V-8
    Cadillac 60 V-8
    Cadillac 75 V-8
    Chevrolet Biscayne 6
    Chevrolet Impala V-8
    Chevrolet Impala Opt. V-8
    Chrysler Windsor V-8
    Chrysler Saratoga V-8
    Chrysler New Yorker V-8
    DeSoto FireSweep V-8
    DeSoto Firedome V-8
    DeSoto FireFlite V-8
    Dodge Coronet 6
    Dodge Coronet V-8
    Dodge Royal V-8
    Dodge Custom Royal V-8
    Edsel Ranger 6
    Edsel Ranger V-8
    Edsel Corsair V-8
    Ford Custom 300 6
    Ford Custom 300 V-8
    Ford Fairlane V-8
    Ford Fairlane 500 V-8
    Imperial V-8
    Lincoln V-8
    Mercury Monterey V-8
    Mercury Montclair V-8
    Mercury Park Lane V-8
    Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 V-8
    Oldsmobile Super 88 V-8
    Oldsmobile 98 V-8
    Plymouth Savoy 6
    Plymouth Fury V-8
    Plymouth Fury Opt. V-8
    Pontiac Catalina Opt. V-8
    Pontiac Catalina V-8
    Pontiac Star Chief V-8
    Pontiac Bonneville V-8
    Rambler American 6
    Rambler DeLuxe 6
    Rambler Rebel V-8 Custom
    Rambler Ambassador V-8 Super
    Studebaker Lark Regal 6
    Studebaker Lark Regal V-8


  • Pickup cartridges for use with stereophonic records
    A report on tests of nine of the new stereo cartridges including: Astatic 11T7B, Electro-Voice 21S, Electro-Voice 66, General Electric GC-5, General Electric CL-7, Ronette BF-40, Stanton 371, Sonotone 8T4-S, Weathers C-501

  • Care of city trees

  • "Charcoal-flavored” steaks and chops without charcoal

  • Modern imitations of an old-fashioned method of cookery, aimed to copy a prized taste appeal, present a real menace to consumer health

  • Use of stored paint

  • Anti-slip products for rugs

  • A skidding rug is a serious hazard.

  • Can “rug coasting" be prevented?

  • "No-iron" sheets and pillowcases

  • Dangers in metal work surfaces in the kitchen

  • Back to the days of Caveat Emptor. You pay your money and take your chances these days!

  • Wright Super Rebel power saw for felling and pruning trees


Regular Features Include:
  • The Consumers’ Observation Post

  • Brief cumulative index

  • Listings of Current Phonograph Records

  • Ratings of Current Motion Pictures

Trade Publications 1959 40 30mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin Magazine - June 1959
Consumer Bulletin was a highly respected consumer product information magazine from the 1930's onward. It was the main competitor to Consumer Reports from the 1930's through the 1960's.

Articles on Products and Ratings in this issue include:
  • The New Look in Vacuum Cleaners

  • Full discussion and ratings of 17 1959 Vacuum Cleaners

  • Electric Coffee Makers

  • 14 Percolators and the Sunbeam Coffeemaster Vacuum coffee maker, 6 failed electrical tests!

  • Automobile Instrumentation

  • Buying a Man's Washable Suit

  • Viewers for Color Slides

  • Sunglasses

  • Wonder Drugs

  • Sad end to men's dreams of a self-tilling garden

  • Bargains from Europe

  • How to clean a lens



Regular Features Include:
  • The Consumers’ Observation Post

  • Brief cumulative index

  • Listings of Current Phonograph Records

  • Ratings of Current Motion Pictures

Trade Publications 1959 40 34mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin - May 1959
Consumer Bulletin magazine was a product rating company that was started in 1928.

This issue contains full descriptions/story, ratings and charts for 1959 Automatic Washers. Brands rated include:
Easy Golden Regent,
Frigidaire Fabric-Master Custom Imperial,
General Electric Filter-Flo,
Hamilton,
Hotpoint,
Kelvinator,
Push Button Lady Kenmore,
Kenmore 800,
Maytag,
Norge Dispensomat,
Philco-Bendix Automagic,
RCA Whirlpool Imperial Mark II,
Speed Queen,
Westinghouse Laundromat.


Other ratings include Small pleasure boats, Nursing bottles and nipples, Control of the common mole, Greater safety in the use of power lawn mowers, Tubeless tires: are they suitable and safe for recapping?, 1959 Cadillac 62, 1959 Mercury, 1959 Pontiac, Hood ornaments still impaling adults and children.
Miscellaneous 1959 40 32mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin Magazine - July 1960
Consumer Bulletin was a highly respected consumer product information magazine from the 1930's onward. It was the main competitor to Consumer Reports from the 1930's through the 1960's.

Articles on Products and Ratings in this issue include:
  • Grape-Nuts improves its product — by leaving out a few very modern ingredients

  • Refrigerator-freezer combinations
    Nine frost-free and conventional models are included in this report. Brands tested: Amana Free-O-Frost, Frigidaire, General Electric, Kelvinator Foodarama, Leonard, Norge, Philco, Sears Coldspot.

    Both refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers have full-width freezer compartments, and on this account most people do not realize there is a vitally important difference between the two types of appliance. If you contemplate buying, be sure you have a clear idea of the difference between the refrigerator and the refrigerator-freezer, for if you buy a refrigerator when what you really need is a refrigerator-freezer, the results can be very disappointing.

    Some manufacturers have done little to eliminate this confusion or adopt clear standards of nomenclature. Indeed, some refer to both types of appliance as refrigerators; others designate some of their combination appliances as having “zero degree” freezers or “true freezers.” The following definitions should help to dispel some of the confusion which exists in consumers’ minds. continued...

  • The new Comet automobile
    Someone has suggested that the Comet may be the car for those who cannot decide between a full-size car and the compact models, as represented by Corvair, Falcon, Valiant, Rambler American, and Studebaker Lark. Actually the interior of the Comet is larger than the Falcon only in the trunk space, for both cars have the same passenger space dimensions and the same engines. Exteriorly, however, the Comet is bigger; it has a 4½-inch longer wheelbase, is 14 inches longer overall, and is about 115 pounds heavier than the Falcon. The Comet has dual headlamps while those on the Falcon are the older style single headlamps, which in CR’s opinion are preferable. continued...

  • Hedge trimmers
    Reports and ratings of 9 popular brands of hedge trimmers and 2 hedge trimming attachments. Brands tested: Black & Decker, Craftsman, Disston Dragon, Hedgemaster, Hedgshear, Little Wonder, Skil, Sunbeam, Trimmer Boy

    Trimming hedges and shrubbery with a pair of hand-operated hedge shears is a tiresome and time-consuming task. Electric-motor-operated trimmers make light work of the hedge-trimming chore. Even a novice, with a little practice, can turn out a well-trimmed hedge in a fraction of the time—and likewise a fraction of the muscle-weariness—required for hand trimming. There is a certain amount of hazard in using a hedge trimmer, as there is with nearly all power tools, but there is a greater hazard with hedge trimmers than some other tools, because there is no way in which the cutting blades can be guarded. continued...

  • Bargains from abroad
    It is not necessary to take a trip abroad in order to buy foreign bargains. This article tells how you can buy by mail. One of the joys of taking a trip is buying unusual items, or bargains, which can be brought back and displayed as souvenirs or mementos of the happy journey. Many people are not aware that it is also possible to get items from abroad by mail order, not quite so easily as they could buy something from Sears, perhaps, but with no great difficulty either. continued...

  • What pool owners should know
    Safety rules for homeowners with back yard pools

  • Portable electronic flash units
    A report on six of the new models - Brands tested: FR-150, Futuramic Strobonar, Metz Mecablitz, Multiblitz Color SL, Strobomite, Ultrablitz Monojet

    The development of the transistor and the new miniaturization techniques of the electronic industry have been put to good use in the design of the new portable electronic flash guns. Not too many years ago, the electronic flash or “strobe” unit was a bulky and heavy accessory and therefore unwieldy for the amateur photographer to carry and use. The “strobe” units were expensive to buy, and battery costs were high. By contrast, the six flash units discussed in the present article were all reasonably light, relatively inexpensive, and compact, and batteries were relatively low in price. continued...

  • The problem of fallout from nuclear tests
    Consumers’ Research presents the informed opinion of a distinguished physicist in the field of nuclear energy on the vital question of fallout and its dangers. On the topic of nuclear fallout and its dangers, there is a welter of conflicting opinions, and it is most unfortunate that the views expressed often represent publicity-seeking attempts by zealots who have an ax to grind. When scientists seem to disagree on questions of such a fundamental nature, the lay public is not to be blamed for finding itself puzzled and confused, and ready to question, perhaps, the honesty and competence of the scientists concerned. continued...

  • Tight watch bands can impair function of nerves of the hand
    A recent item in The New England Journal of Medicine reports damage to the nerves of a part of one hand which caused numbness of the thumb and the area at its base. Increase in the area of numbness finally caused the patient to resort to medical advice. No cause for the trouble was found, and during the next two months the normal lack of sensation extended to involve the index finger. continued...

  • What’s in a name?
    The product may change and change and change again, but the old name goes on and on - The makers of Cafotan tablets, one of the patent medicines mentioned in our article on “ Painkillers and ‘cold remedies’ ” in the October 1959 Bulletin, have written to Consumers’ Research to say that the Cafotan made today differs in composition from the product which we discussed. As a matter of fact, says Premo Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Inc., the maker, there have been two changes in formulation since the tablets we examined were made.

    Originally Cafotan contained aspirin, phenacetin, caffeine, and quinine sulfate. Although the maker claims that this formulation was discontinued well over 10 years ago, during World War II, this 4-ingredient Cafotan is the kind that Consumers’ Research obtained when we recently acquired samples of various drugs from the current stock of a busy retail drug store. During World War II, according to the maker, quinine sulfate was eliminated from the formula, leaving Cafotan for the time being as a straight “APC” tablet—aspirin, phenacetin, caffeine—not essentially different from dozens of other APC preparations. Then in 1958, Premo made yet another change, substituting sali-cylamide for aspirin. continued...

  • Garden hose—plastic or rubber composition?
    Plastic garden hose is much lighter in weight and more convenient to handle than rubber hose, use of which is now limited mainly to industrial purposes. Consumers’ Research has had several different brands and types of plastic hose in use and allowed them to be exposed to the elements all the year round for some years. Our observation has been that plastic hose is on the whole very satisfactory and has great advantages, particularly for a woman, in its lightness. As there are many brands on the market that are guaranteed for periods up to 12 years, there seems to be no point in attempting to differentiate between the specific brands of makes that carry a guarantee. continued...

  • Devices sold for draining flooded basements
    Two electric-powered pumps and a gadget which uses water power to move waterWant to pump water up to a height of 6 feet at the rate of 300 gallons per hour—without an electric motor or gas engine? Advertisements for the Speedy Drainer seemed to promise such results, but actual performance in tests at Consumers’ Research was much less impressive. continued...

  • Concluding test findings on the new outboard motors



Regular Features Include:
  • The Consumers’ Observation Post

  • Editorial: Are home furnishings advertisers missing the boat?
    Dependability in a household appliance is what women want most. At least that is the view of B. A. Chapman, executive vice president of American Motors Corp., and general manager of the Kelvinator Division. If Mr. Chapman is correct in his analysis, there are a lot of home furnishings advertisers who are throwing away large sums on full pages in what are called the “home shelter” magazines. As a matter of fact, that is just what the foremost trade paper in the field thinks is happening. Reporting an analysis of the full-page advertisements in the April issues of House & Garden, Better Homes & Gardens, and Living, Louis Goodenough noted that something like one third of the ads showed people in formal or semi-formal evening clothes, and commented that in this country we don’t dress for dinner as the British often do. “It’s about time,” he said, that we “have a return to home furnishings that do something for today’s consumer.” continued...

  • Brief cumulative index

  • Listings of Current Phonograph Records

  • Ratings of Current Motion Pictures

Trade Publications 1960 40 32mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Select Consumer Bulletin Articles - August 1961
Consumer Bulletin magazine was a product rating company that was started in 1928. The following artciles have been published in this download:

#1 Rating of Combination Washer/Dryers. Review of Easy Combomatics, General Electric, Kenmore, Norge Dispensomat, Philco-Bendix Duomatic, RCA Whirlpool Ultimatics, Wards Signature, Speed Queen and Westinghouse brand combos.

#2 Coin-Operated Dry Cleaners in Laundromats. ANYONE who regularly takes clothing or other articles to the dry cleaner knows that the expenditure for cleaning of this kind accounts for a sizable proportion of the household budget. It does not take many items to run up a bill of $5 to $10 for each lot of clothing, blankets, and other cleanable articles. Most families don't have everything cleaned they would like to or as often as they would like to. Many will thus welcome a new dry-cleaning service which gives special economy through self-service features, a type of installation also known as "coin-op" or self-service dry cleaning

#3 Review of the Corning Ware Electric Coffee Pot

#4 New Controls on Cooking Appliances
There are probably millions of oven clock-timers on both electric and gas ranges which are unused solely because they are too complicated to be set correctly by persons who do not use them regularly, and are unwilling to master the relationships of a complex set of dials, knobs, and pointers. Fortunately, some of the manufacturers have now done something about this situation.
Miscellaneous 1961 10 10mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin - October 1962
For October of '62 Consumer Bulletin tests "Flair" style High-Oven electric ranges. In this issue they provide a full story and full ratings on their test results of the following models: Frigidaire Custom Imperial Flair, General Electric Americana, Kenmore Classic, Tappen Fabulous 400 and the Westinghouse Continential.

Other interesting reports in this issue include: A further look at popular breakfast cereals, What goes into modern chewing gums?, Should you "dry clean" your car- or wash it with water, in the time-honored way?, Stereo FM (multiplex) adapters, Selecting a Shotgun, Tire gauges and "Runless" nylons. Also "The sun tan may be unfashionable one of these days. The danger of skin cancer will soon eliminate today's sun tan as a status symbol".
Ranges/Stoves 1962 44 49mb $8.99
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Thumbnail Image of Download Consumer Bulletin - June 1963
Consumer Bulletin magazine was a product rating company that was started in 1928. This issue contains full descriptions/story, ratings and charts for 1963 Automatic Washers. Brands rated include: Blackstone, Easy, Frigidaire, General Electric, Hamilton, Hotpoint, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Maytag, Norge, Philco, RCA Whirlpool, Speed Queen, Wards Signature and Westinghouse. Great article with pictures of the some of the machines, and you'll never guess who they rated #1!

Other ratings include 1963 Compact Automoblies: Lark V-8, Rambler Ambassador, Rambler American 200 and Valiant V-100.

Upgright Pianos

Push Lawn Mowers

Automatic 35mm Camera

Air Conditioners and Fans
Miscellaneous 1963 44 35mb $8.99

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Please note that all publications presented here at Automatic Ephemera are on average between 35 and 85 years old. This information is presented as a educational/historical reference on vintage products of the past. Any trademarks or brand names appearing on this site are for nominative use to accurately describe the content contained in these publications. The associated trademarks are the sole property of their registered owners as there is no affiliation between Automatic Ephemera and these companies. No connection to or endorsement by the trademark owners is to be construed.