7) Radar

It’s not radar per se, but it was used to try and get an early warning of incoming bombers. It looks completely ridiculous, but I suppose when you’re in danger of getting bombed, looking cool sort of takes a back seat. This photo was taken in 1921 in America.

8) The Perm

The 80’s wouldn’t have even existed without Carl-Ludwig Nessler’s invention. He made the first ever ‘permanent wave’ as far as hair is concerned. It looks like a cross between a medieval torture device and a futuristic torture device. You wouldn’t get it anywhere near my head I can tell you. I already have curly hair anyway so it would be a wasted effort I’m afraid Mr Nessler.

9) Toaster

This toaster by the company Frary & Clark (1924) certainly wasn’t the first, but it has to be one of the most elegant. Toasters look crap nowadays, I’d never noticed before, but there is no design at all is there? They’re just crappy boxy things. Right, I’m going to complain to my MP about the state of the toaster trade.

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