The electric fan was invented in the 1880s in the sweltering heat of the New Orleans summer.
Fountains of wayne fountains of wayne 1996 rar. GE made loads of these style fans & even though I prefer the flared out switch housing like yours, the insides are nearly identical through the years. I think I have about 8 of these style fans sitting on the shelf. They are great fans, but shipping takes a chunk of change out of the value. Yours is a great complete fan. I recently purchased several Emerson and GE table fans built in 1918, 1934, and 1953. Knowing little about vintage fans, and considering restoration, I took them to a highly respected repair man specializing in such fans.
Over the years the design was adapted and tweaked, with the first recognisably modern electric fans being produced in the 1920s.
They're popular retro collectors items.
Here's how to identify one.
Brand and model
Most electric fans will have a brand name displayed prominently in the centre of the cage.
This will immediately offer a clue as to its value, as certain 'prestige' names are highly sought after.
Antique Ge Fan Information
Examples include Veritys, which regularly sell for several thousand dollars.
The model's issue number will tell you exactly when it was made and give you an idea of its value.
You can check it on eBay or try the Antique Fan Collectors Association (AFCA) forums.
Size and shape
Up until the 1910s, most fans were large and unwieldy things designed for use in office spaces.
After 1910 the technology had advanced to the stage where fans were small and cheap enough to go in the home.
Vintage Ge Fan Identification
Materials
Prior to the first world war brass was the dominant material used in making cages.
However, manufacturers were forced to switch to steel as global reserves were co-opted for the war effort.
After the war most never switched back.
Colour
Most electric fans will have a brand name displayed prominently in the centre of the cage.
This will immediately offer a clue as to its value, as certain 'prestige' names are highly sought after.
Antique Ge Fan Information
Examples include Veritys, which regularly sell for several thousand dollars.
The model's issue number will tell you exactly when it was made and give you an idea of its value.
You can check it on eBay or try the Antique Fan Collectors Association (AFCA) forums.
Size and shape
Up until the 1910s, most fans were large and unwieldy things designed for use in office spaces.
After 1910 the technology had advanced to the stage where fans were small and cheap enough to go in the home.
Vintage Ge Fan Identification
Materials
Prior to the first world war brass was the dominant material used in making cages.
However, manufacturers were forced to switch to steel as global reserves were co-opted for the war effort.
After the war most never switched back.
Colour
Initially fans were mainly produced in a stark black, with the notable exception of General Electric – which used green.
Antique Ge Oscillating Fan
As fans became more widely available, designers began experimenting with different colours. So colour is a good indicator that your fan was produced from the 1930s onwards.
Keep an eye out for…
Antique Ge Fan Identification Guide
The Emerson Silver Swan: This 1930s design classic sells around the $300 mark in good condition. Remington model 580 for sale.
Veritys Junior Orbit: If you have one of these in good condition, you're looking at around $2,500.
General Electric: General Electric fans sell for anything from $60 to $1,000.
