Where a guy working in a sewing machine factory wanting to have a sewing machine for his wife's birthday. But no way to get one in the shops. Then trying to get one by smuggling them out of the factory one part at a time and assembling them at home. Three times. And every time ending up with a machine gun.

They are certainly pretty enough. Not to mention animated and spirited.

if it required welding. During WW2, Landers, Frary and Clark made everything from vacuum bottles to mess kits to gun mounts.

My goodness. We had one of those toasters when I was a kid. Got to be very careful and watch closely or that toast will burn to a crisp. No smoke detectors then either. Fun memories.

Landers, Frary & Clark, (commonly referred to as "Landers," by collectors,) was a major maker of kitchen appliances, which they marketed under the "UNIVERSAL" brand. Their hand-cranked meat grinders seem to have sold by the million! I recall seeing their old buildings being torn down in the 1960's.

I have a toaster made by Landers, Frary & Clark. I bought it a flea market some 25 years ago. The nameplate says UNIVERSAL (The Trade Mark Known In Every Home). I'm guessing it's nearly a century old. Once every few years, I take it down off the shelf and make some toast. An M45 machine gun mount it ain't.