This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
A Revolutionary Home Appliance
The PIFCO Electric Massager, a product of the 1960s, is a fascinating glimpse into the evolving world of personal care appliances. Manufactured by PIFCO Ltd, a British company known for its electrical household goods, the massager was marketed as a multi-purpose health and wellness device that could relieve ailments ranging from rheumatism to hair loss.
A 1960 The Australian Woman’s Weekly advertisement boasted its effectiveness in pain relief, relaxation, and general well-being. But was it indeed an innovation or just another mid-century health fad?
The PIFCO Massager: Design and Features
The PIFCO Massager was designed to be both ergonomic and functional. It has a long handle for easy reach and a box-shaped head that can accommodate different massage attachments. A flexible wire with an in-line switch allows users to control the device easily.
The product typically came with:
- Three red-coloured massage caps
- A Bakelite control knob for intensity adjustments
- An instruction manual outlining its various uses
The vibrating mechanism was a key selling point, with claims that it stimulated circulation, relieved muscle pain, and even aided digestion and reduced flatulence—a bold statement in today’s medical standards!
Marketing and Public Reception
PIFCO heavily marketed its massager as a medically recommended device, often featuring phrases like:
“Recommended by doctors for rheumatism, sciatica, etc.” printed on the box.
By 1961, the company expanded its range with an electric foot massager, styled in cream and maroon plastic. The UK-based magazine The Chemist and Druggist described the device as a huge success in the U.S., highlighting its ability to target different pressure points of the foot.
Historical Significance
The PIFCO Electric Massager is more than just an outdated appliance—it reflects the mid-century fascination with home health gadgets. The post-war boom in consumer electronics saw an explosion of self-care devices, from hairdryers to slimming belts, promising users professional-level treatments in the comfort of their homes.
Interestingly, a 1947–1948 version of the PIFCO massager is preserved in the Victorian Collections, with detailed provenance tracing ownership through generations. This highlights how such devices were functional and treasured household staples.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation
Though the PIFCO Electric Massager may seem quaint by today’s standards, it paved the way for modern massage technology. Devices like the Theragun and handheld percussive massagers owe much to these early inventions, making electric massage therapy accessible to everyday consumers.
Sources
Advertisement. (1960, June 8). The Australian Woman’s Weekly, p. 53. Retrieved from https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4818693
The Chemist and Druggist. (1961, January 14). Description of Pifco Electric Massager. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/b19974760M4407/page/n11/mode/2up
Victorian Collections. (n.d.). Marvin Glass and Associates – Rock em Sock em Robots. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/5da3f13d21ea6707b4e31cb2
Jersey Heritage. (n.d.). Collection item: Collect_59805. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://catalogue.jerseyheritage.org/collection-search/?si_elastic_detail=collect_59805
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