Fitzgerald Mfg. Company "Star-Rite" 1921-30 Timeline

[Russ Huber]

It 'appears' the first fan model from them went to market 1921 starting with 2 speeds, 4 strut configuration on the 21-22(?) models. Electrical trade supports a 3 speed switch introduced along with new motor design in 1923 model. In 1924 design changes were made with a drawn steel base, changes to the motor housing, etc. One can see venting in the fan base in 1926 electrical trade. 12" and 16" models were added to their fan motor line in 1927.

Edited July 10, 2024 by Russ Huber

[Russ Huber]

1926. New 8" model with base venting.

[Russ Huber]

1927. 12" and 16" models introduced.

 

Edited July 3, 2024 by Russ Huber

[Russ Huber]

1928.

[Anthony Lindsey]

Here's one I sold

[Russ Huber]

1 minute ago, Anthony Lindsey said:

Here's one I sold

 

[Russ Huber]

In chronological order of manufacture 22-23, 24-25, and 26 model introductions.

Edited July 3, 2024 by Russ Huber

[Dave McManaman]

Great historical info! I’ve got a 1200 in the nickel finish. 

[James Lawson]

Dave - if that's the original plating, it's in incredible shape. The nickel plating on these Fitzgerald fans was very thin from the examples I've seen.

I think the name "Star-Rite" didn't appear on the fans until late '23 or early '24.

[Anthony Lindsey]

That's a nice one!

[Russ Huber]

How many speeds does your example have, David? 

[Russ Huber]

49 minutes ago, James Lawson said:

I think the name "Star-Rite" didn't appear on the fans until late '23 or early '24.

There is strong evidence here that so far, the 1921 introduction "Star Motor" fan is at large. It appears to have been on the market in 22 as well. 

The 1921 Star model fan appears to have had a 4-strut guard support and a 2-speed switch. Anyone out there have one??

[Russ Huber]

1923 model.

 

Edited July 4, 2024 by Russ Huber

[Dave McManaman]

27 minutes ago, Russ Huber said:

How many speeds does your example have, David? 

It’s the newer three speed. When I opened this up it was in the best shape I’d run into. Label on the bottom, “Fitzgerald Star” brand plug, etc. I presume it had been gone through but even the commutator had little wear so maybe not. The finish was quite dull but with little pitting or rust. I used nevrdull to revive and simichrome to polish  

[Russ Huber]

1921-22 appears to be a 4 strut 3 speed. I see 1921 Star offering 2 vibrators and a fan.

[Russ Huber]

1925-26 has 3 Nickle plate options.

[Russ Huber]

1928.

[Steve Rockwell]

8 hours ago, Russ Huber said:

1928.

[Russ Huber]

[Steve Rockwell]

 

 

 

     Kind of Torrington blades... The only other example of this fan I've seen was being sold at an eBay store from Schenectady NY... where this unit also resides.

 

Edited July 5, 2024 by Steve Rockwell

[Steve Rockwell]

                                                   7 Jun 1921

 

           Star Electric Fan-  Universal Model AC or DC-  110 V.-  No. 142

                               Fitzgerald Mfg. Co., Torrington CT

     

[Steve Rockwell]

     

[Russ Huber]

1 hour ago, Steve Rockwell said:

                                                   7 Jun 1921

 

           Star Electric Fan-  Universal Model AC or DC-  110 V.-  No. 142

                               Fitzgerald Mfg. Co., Torrington CT

     

Good on you, Steve. There it is the 4-strut number one fan from Fitzgerald Mfg. Would love to know if there is any validity to their 21 electrical trade 2 speed claim or was it an error. Same year it is also stated a 3-speed elsewhere in electrical trade.

[Russ Huber]

1921 appliance product line. 

[Russ Huber]

2 hours ago, Russ Huber said:

1921 appliance product line.