Posted 12 years ago
oceansunse…
(2 items)
This is my pride and joy 1940s Signal Model 1251 3-speed oscillating fan. I purchased this online for only $59 including shipping. The fan is very heavy duty and built like a tank, weighing in at 25 pounds. It has a 17" grill with four 16" blades. I'm not entirely sure what the body is made of but most likely steel or cast iron. The blades are aluminum. It works absolutely perfectly, running smooth, powerful, and quiet on each speed with no vibrations. It still oscillates correctly and the switch still operates perfectly as well. The fan is super reliable and REALLY moves some air! The sound reminds me of what older airplanes sounded like, but is very pleasing and retro. Someone previously upgraded the cord to a more modern (brown) 2-prong cord which is also in great shape (no shocks here!).
Details: Made in USA by Signal Electric MFG Co., Menominee MI. Model 1251, Serial No. A-4900, 100 Watts, 1.4 Amps. Color: Black (No rust except very minor spot on the bottom of the base only - Paint in very good condition)
Info I found on it from 'http://www.dtvintagefans.org/signalmodels.htm': "Type 1251: 16" oscillator with Four Pole motor, three speeds, polished aluminum Silent Blades, finished in black, steamlined design. Made 1941-53. (9)" "***(9) - Starting 1949 finish changed to Blue-Gray" Since this one appears to be the all-original black it would date in the 40s.
I am familiar with this fan, and it's a good one as newer fans go ('40s +)! It should be a Type F6S, Model 1251, and you're right about the pre-'49 manufacture. The badge, blades, motor, and base all appear to be in excellent condition. Aside from the minor scratches on the dial, it looks like a gem. If you're interested, there are a few places I can suggest where you can get NOS or repro cords, dial faces, etc.
Thanks so much for the compliments on the fan and for the information. The pics actually turned out worse than it looks in-person. The scratches on the dial label are barely noticeable. At this point, I would probably just leave it the way it is. However, I definitely would be interested in the NOS information anyway please. Typically, I don't see that many signal fans or fan parts on Ebay.
Posted some new pics with better light. That kinda sucks they don't allow more than 4 images without creating a new page.
Check out http://mysite.verizon.net/vzess5f7/ .. he does a lot of excellent, accurate repro fan parts and he also has access to a bunch of NOS stuff.. and if he doesn't have it, he will know where to get it. You might consider replacing the cord with a period-correct cord that matches the lead cord, and that's a pretty easy wiring job once you get your hands on the right cord. If needed, I would also recommend http://www.fancollectors.org/info/restore.htm for more resources to acquire parts, supplies, wiring diagrams, and basically anything else you could need to know about fans!
Looks like some great resources - thank you very much :) I'm sure they will come in handy at some point in the future.