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Vintage Near Mint
Quality Glass King #860
Washboard
Durable glass rub surface
Glass version of family-size
Zinc King #701
Genuine Vintage Glass King #860. Made by National Washboard Co.
Nearly identical to a large family-size Zinc King #701, but with a "corrugated" rub surface made of molded glass instead of metal.
Large, Heavy, and Durable
Weighing in at nearly five pounds, the large Glass King #860 is nearly twice the weight of the metal version (Zinc King #701). That's 2-1/2 times the weight of the smaller pail-size version (Glass King #863). The extra weight comes from the large thick glass rub surface which is significantly heavier than thin tin. This construction makes for a large heavy washboard.
Tone
Higher
Glass is smoother, harder, and more dense than tin. So the glass rub surface generates a higher pitch than a plated tin metal rub surface.
Solid
The glass rub surface produces a more "solid" tone too. Kinda like the difference between rattling solid natural bones v rib bones (which resonate because of the usually hollow marrow core). All our vintage pail-size metal rub surface washboards have back panels that form a resonating chamber. The glass washboards are designed with no back panels, thus no resonating chamber.
So scratching a glass rub surface generates a higher pitch, and more solid tone than a metal rub surface. All in all, a glass washboard is heavier and sounds a little different than a metal one.
Which Washboard Grade is Right for You?
Every Glass King #860 washboard we sell is a fine playing vintage instrument. All parts are intact and in good working order. For all practical purposes each washboard plays just as well as the next. The difference in price merely reflects the outward appearance of the wood, the rubbing surface, and the ink.
Washboards in all grades below are antique objects that might show signs of age, wear, or inconsequential damage such as small chips in the frame, water staining, and paint spots from long term storage or display.
Grading Scale in a Nutshell:
The weathered ones cost less, the clean unblemished ones cost more.
Good
Might show scuffs, scratches, minor cracks in wood. Ink might be faded or missing. Might show soap residue or other slight imperfections. No significant cracks in wood frame. No chips, cracks, or breaks in glass rubbing surface. No substantial scratches (i.e. washboard was not a musical instrument in former life). No missing parts. Framework is sturdy. Washboard has been around the block a few times but is eminently playable.
Better
Overall better condition.
Near Mint
Light wear. Hardly used. Little or no soap residue. Ink color and print quality usually good, but not always.
Mint
Appears unused. Ink color and print quality usually good, but not always. Belongs in a museum. Don't know why you would want to scrape up a fine antique relic like this to play music on it though.
Figures are approximate (but pretty darn close)--
- Length: 24"
- Width: 13"
- Thickness: 2"
- Composition: Wood frame, glass rubbing surface
- Weight: 4 lb, 9 oz (2 kg)
- Manufacturer: National Washboard Co.
- Finish and Color: Natural wood
- Model: Glass King #860
- Condition: Eminently playable
- Grading: Near Mint
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Features
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Glass Version of Zinc King #701: Rare, hard to find item.
- Glass Rub Surface: Favorite of many players.
- Durable "Corrugated" Molded Glass Rub Surface: Spiral pattern similar to metal rub surface - but glass.
- Glass Ribs: Delivers higher pitch, more solid tone than metal rub surface.
- All Wood Frame: Easy to attach accessory items
- Large and Durable: Plenty of real estate for accessories.
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