Beware, this is a deep dive into outlet covers. I spent way too much time investigating them. I don't know why but it's surely a window into how my mind works.
On one of my countless searches through eBay's endless listings I came across some electric outlet cover plates that looked unusual. Although I knew nothing about them I thought they looked very midcentury so I watchlisted one. Later as I was planning the Clipper project I dug a little deeper and decided the style would fit well. The design is generically referred to as "Uniline".
Here's what Google has to say about it (prompt: "history of uniline switch plates history"):
"The Uniline series of switch plates, introduced in 1949 by Victor R. Despard, are iconic mid-century modern wall covers. Renowned for their distinct Art Deco-style vertical ribs, early versions were crafted from Bakelite, while later production runs in the 1970s and 1980s used durable thermoplastic.
History of the Uniline Series
• The Originator: Victor R. Despard, an influential electrical engineer and inventor, designed and patented the Uniline switch plate and modular interchangeable devices (Despard lines).
• Patent Designs: There were two primary Uniline designs patented: the 1947 patent (flat raised vertical center with two ribs on each side) and the iconic 1949 patent (raised vertical center with ribs separated by three fine lines).
• Manufacturing Powerhouses: Because Uniline was a design standard rather than a single manufacturer, the ribbed covers were licensed and produced by major electrical brands of the era. Common makers found on the back of Uniline plates include:
• Bryant (the most common)
• Hubbell
• Pass & Seymour (P&S)
• Arrow-Hart & Hegemann (Arrow H&H)
• Production Timeline: The original rectangular border key design was in continuous commercial production from around 1950 until 1983.
• Evolution of Materials: Early mid-century plates (the 1950s) were made of compression-molded Bakelite in dark chocolate brown and ivory beige. As plastics evolved, later 1970s and 1980s iterations were manufactured in smoother, non-ribbed thermoplastic varieties.
Collecting and Sourcing Today
Today, these ribbed switch plates are highly sought-after by mid-century modern enthusiasts and vintage home restorers.
• Vintage Original Hardware: Because millions were produced, you can frequently find new old stock (NOS) and salvaged ribbed Bakelite plates.
• Sourcing: You can explore secondary markets like eBay or vintage craft marketplaces like Etsy for vintage P&S Uniline plates, Hubbell, or Bryant pieces."
There are quite a few different switchplate covers from the time period that look very similar to the Uniline design. It makes sense that other manufacturers would want to take advantage of the popularity of the style.
I personally think the "Tuxedo" design best fits what we now, in retrospect, consider as "Mid Century Modern" design because of it's slightly outwardly angled center area. Because of that I probably would have chosen this style but it's difficult to find with only a few examples available on eBay.
Along the way I noticed some unusual versions of the Uniline switchplates. They were often referred to as "Despard" switch plates.
Here's what Google has to say about them (prompt: "history of despard switch plates"):
"Despard switch plates, commonly known as interchangeable or stacked switch plates, were patented in the 1920s by Victor R. Despard. Designed to save wall space and maximize functionality, they allowed up to three small electrical devices—such as toggle switches, pilot lights, and outlets—to fit tightly into a single-gang wall box.
The Evolution of the Despard System
• 1920s Innovation: Patented by Victor R. Despard, the system introduced modularity to electrical wiring. Instead of wiring large, single-function fixtures, electricians used a metal mounting strap that could be loaded with various combinations of switches and outlets.
• Mid-Century Peak: Despard switches reached their highest popularity during the 1940s and 1950s. As homes gained more appliances and lighting but maintained smaller rooms, this system was heavily used to pack light switches, extractor fans, and convenience outlets into concentrated, space-saving clusters.
• Versatile Features: The modular components included not just standard toggles, but specialty pilot lights, 4-way switches, and uniquely keyed AM radio antenna outlets. Unlike modern toggles that flip vertically, traditional Despard toggles operated horizontally.
• Modern Decline: By the late 20th century, architectural trends shifted toward larger, more expansive walls. The need to conserve switch space diminished, and standard Decora (rocker) or larger toggle plates became the industry norm.
How to Identify a Despard Plate
Despard plates are unique because they do not have a large rectangular or toggle-shaped cutout in the middle. Instead, they feature one or more sets of three perfectly aligned smaller holes. The plates are attached to the mounting strap via screws positioned at the top and bottom of the plate (rather than the middle)."
Although the selection is small there are still companies providing new equipment that supports the Despard switchplates. Legrand's Pass & Seymour's brand has switches, outlets, mounting straps and some modern-looking outlets. And a retailer, Kyle Switch Plates, has a large selection of Despard compatible items.
I really like the Despard-style switchplates and plan to use them in one application: the various control switches required for thinks like hot water heater power, water pump, etc. I don't like how every trailer appliance has a different switch and how vintage trailer renovations are cluttered up with these modern looking switch panels. These are typically a very low power DC relay switch and easily substituted. The one exception is the water pump which is several amps. For that application I plan to use the Despard switch as a low amp DC relay switch and locate a 12VDC power relay remotely to switch power to the pump.
I found a "stacked" 2-gang Uniline Despard switchplate on eBay that I plan to use for the various control switches. I'll need to figure out a labelling approach to distinguish the switches. And I'll also need to come up with some inserts (3D printed?) that I can use for LED indicator lights (e.g. typical water heater "lockout" light).
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