Worley Water Wavers

Q: I have a Worley Water Waver. It’s a device for curling or waving ladies’ hair that was invented by my Grandad in 1926. I also have the original patent that was issued to him in 1927. Hair could be curled in a “Marcel” wave, a popular style of the day, by pressing it against the wavy surface of the steel chamber that held hot water. It was a forerunner of the modern curling iron. But not many were made because the financial backers of the project went under with the stock market crash. After the crash, my Grandfather moved from the northeast to Florida—and with a supply of the wavers, which he sold as he traveled down the highways. The cords were removed because they were sold to women on farms where electricity wasn’t very common, but putting hot water in the chamber still curled the hair! I’m curious to know if it has any value other than sentimental.

A: There aren’t many Worley Water Wavers around, but there was one listed in an online shop for $75. There is a similar device, called the West Electric Water Waver, also from the 1920s that could be used to curl or wave hair, which sold for about $25. Your waver may be worth a bit more than $75 because you have the original box and patent document. A local history museum or a collector who specializes in kitchen or cosmetic appliances might be interested in your waver, as well as your grandfather’s story.