Vintage Vibrators and Vibrators of Today

Vibrators have been used for various pleasures; from facial, foot and shoulder massage, to vaginal stimulation. The history of the vibrator is extensive and the good people behind sex shop; Toys in Babeland (a spin off from the late 80s/early 90s punk band Babes in Toyland) have created a website which features a vibrator gallery.

Toys in Babeland is the only store I shop for sex toys. I have been in other stores and at other sites. And yes I've been to the ever so popular; Good Vibrations. For me Babeland is the way to go. A fresh and clean environment, which holds work shops and seminars. Employees in the store are very knowledgeable.

I live within Los Angeles county and unfortunately the short lived store in LA was shut down. The original settled in Seattle, WA. There are others in New York.

Now on to the vibrators. To view more from the Vibe Gallery, visit Babeland's Museum of Vintage Vibrators.

Arnold Massage Vibrator (1915)
 Model No. 1
Arnold Electric Co. (Racine, WI USA) Mark Twain, the famous author, owned an Arnold vibrator.

Vibroette (1920)
Allover MFG Co. (USA)

Vibra King 1922 

Oster Stim -U-Lax Jr. (1940)

Andis Vibrator (1942)

 Handy Hannah (1950)

 Niagra Hand Unit (1) (1952)
The Niagara Hand Unit offered the possibility of internal and external stimulation. This vibrator had a speed control (not just an on/off switch!) located on the cord where adjustment would not interrupt application. The unit could be used alone or rubber, slip-on vibratodes could be added. The Niagara Hand Units were endorsed by Good Housekeeping and a guarntee stamp appears on the bottom of the controller.

Vibra Slim 1960
The Vibra Slim is a firm, contoured block that vibrates as the user sits or lays across it. 

Shavex All Purpose Massager 1965

Norleco Massager 1969
A popular brand name used in the U.S. for personal care devices made by Philips. Though the company still makes sensual massagers, none are wand-style vibrators like this vintage 1969Norelco Massager.

Hitachi Wand 1970s-Present
Also known as the "Cadillac of Vibrators".

Fukuoku 1997-Present

Here are some current choices from Toys in Babeland.

The ever so popular, "Rabbit Habit". 
Also known as "The Rabbit" made popular by the TV series Sex in the City.

"Gigi"
Comes in blue and pink

Lelo Yva
Ranges from $1,300 to $1,500!!

Lava Spot

I Rub My Duckie Vibe

Calla Vibe

Love Bunnies

Make Me Over

Shag Factory Flower Power Vibe

We Vibe 3
Also comes in purple and teal
Description from the website:  Just like the original We-Vibe, the waterproof, rechargeable We-Vibe 3 is designed to be worn, hands-free, by hugging the clit and G-spot snugly during penetration. But with this updated version, you also get 40% more vibration power, a wireless remote control (with a range of ten feet), and an upgraded charging case that provides storage and power in one sleek package. Three speeds and three patterns are sure to keep you satisfied, and you'll get up to two hours of use on a single charge. Also great for use under a dildo harness, to provide extra sensation for the wearer.

Blueberry Buzz

Sex-a-Peel Vibrator

Duke Vibrating Prostate Stimulator
And lets not forget the guys! Gay? Straight? Who cares? Masturbate!
Comes in blue and black.

Forbidden Fruit

Kandi Kisses

Boss Naked
Size: 8-3/4" x 1-1/2"
Made of silicone
Comes in Caramel and Vanilla 

Babeland Buzz Vibe
10% donated to Breast Cancer
Comes in pink and blue

Shag Factory Couples Rings
Description from the website: Big Ben (purple) is the single-vibrator option, designed to vibrate against a woman's clit while the ring is worn around the penetrating penis/dildo; Double Decker (red) boasts two vibrators, so vibration can be felt on the clit AND on the wearer's balls/perineum. Both models offer three vibration speeds, up to 90 minutes of vibration before battery replacement, soft and stretchy rings, and removable vibes for ease of cleaning.

Go to Toys in Babeland to find so much more!! At Babeland you'll find dildos, anal plugs (not my cup of tea), eco-friendly toys, books, massage oils, condoms, male sex toys, sex kits and more!

I find it odd that sex toys are often deemed a woman's tool. The sex toy history is steeped in sexism and misunderstanding (as well as empowerment).

Men often speak of sex because within patriarchy; wanting sex (and lots of it) often provides boasting rights for those who have it. Nonsensical if you ask me. Having sex seems to make hetero and gay men, men. But enter a sex toy and all of a sudden men are less so.

So, why are sex toys a woman's domain? Well, some might argue that women are not fully satisfied with the skills, patience, and desire of men. So, therefore a helping hand...and/or toy is needed. But there are other reasons as well.

According to the Museum of Vintage Vibrators, Ancient Greeks believed in a condition called "Hysteria." I imagine most of us aware of this concept. It was believed that Hysteria caused the uterus to wander the body and create a disturbance. The end result was emotional instability, insomnia or a state of sexual charge (horny).

Masturbation was considered a solution and a medical treatment for widows, nuns, virgins and others who were considered Hysterical.

During the Victorian Era,  women would seek help from doctors and spa retreats where stimulation of a woman's clitoris created a a state of "hysterical paroxysm" or orgasm.

The thought is that women were sick -- in need of a cure. Men who dealt with sexual frustration or sexual desire were not considered abnormal or in need of assistance from male doctors.

Even today it seems that our society believes that it is men who enjoy sex more than women. This doesn't surprise me as we are surrounded by images that are meant to please the heterosexual gaze. Pornography in the form of film, publication, live stripping and more; suggest that women are sexual only to please men.

"Women's Interest" magazines offer beauty tips and sex positions that are meant to please men. Tag lines that read; "Bold lipstick shades that will drive him wild", is an effective marketing tactic to promote consumerism as well as sexism.

A woman's sexuality does not belong to men (or other women). We hear about man's wants, man's desires. Naked women at any point in the day, boasting about penis size, street harassment, etc. We hear about a man's wants as if ALL men desire sex without substance and degradation of women. Patriarchy doesn't help out the men who strive for authenticity. If you're a man who truly wants the above mentioned and you are announcing it from the roof tops then that is your form of honesty. But what about the men who differ?

What about the women who want no part in being perceived as less than fully human? A person who is sexual for the purpose of others. A woman who's sexual individuality is of no concern for onlookers. A woman who's sexual individuality ends up being dismissed, even within romantic relationships.

Even in feminist circles, the term; "Sex Positive" has been a topic of debate. Some believe a woman is only sex positive if she is an advocate of pornography, BDSM, and yes, sex toys. Anything else might be considered, "vanilla." This isn't sex positive to me.

Let us celebrate our sexuality and our exploration of it. Some define it for ourselves and some let others define it for them. Some are still in the process of defining it and some decide there is no need to.

Let us celebrate individuality whether it involves sex toys or not. And let us learn to view the use of sex toys as a form of independence or a source of connection with our partners.