Edison Bi-polar (see video of running fan at bottom of thread next page)

[David Kilnapp]

Friends:  I just acquired a wonderful example of an Edison Bi-Polar from one of our esteemed, long time members. It arrives tomorrow. I was hoping that one of you (Russ Huber?) could give me a date of manufacture based on the serial number seen below. The seller, who shall remain anonymous, acquired the fan in 2008, from a bank president who had the fan in the basement of the bank (I will keep the picture of the bank with the fan at all times).

I consider myself very fortunate indeed to acquire this marvellous piece of history and am very grateful to the seller who is a long time friend and gentleman.

 

Edited September 15, 2023 by David Kilnapp

[Steve Butler]

CONGRATULATIONS that’s a beauty! 👍👍👍

[Michael Rathberger]

[Russ Huber]

You have a very nice example to be thrilled with. I am sorry, David. In this case I have to bow out. There are/were members who were infatuated with these machines and studied the construction of them and other existing examples. There is a strong possibility there may be construction differences as the fans evolved to help give them a time slot so to speak. Rene Rondeau was one of those members at one time. I have no clue how to reach him. 

[Paul Michael]

David, great fan and great story. I'm fairly certain I saved a record from the previous owner of this fan. No time to search files now, but if so, I'll stay mum per their/your wishes.

And few years ago another member mentioned that an Edison C-frame fan in the 10,XXX range was the highest serial number known. So, yours is definitely from the latest production. Previous ones show that some of these fans were still in stock and sold well into the early 1900s. I'll try to find that exact serial number later.

Edited September 14, 2023 by Paul Michael

[David Kilnapp]

Thank you all!!

[Steve Cunningham]

The four blade was introduced about 1898-1899. When the factory burned in the early 20’s, there were thousands on the shelves.

[Steve Stephens]

David, you got a very nice example I think.   Let us know how it runs if you can.   I replaced the steel ball bearings in my fan with teflon balls for quieter running.   An old member had done that to his Edison and, although I have not compared the steel balls to the teflon ones for quietness I do think the teflon is a bit smoother and quieter.  The balls swap our perfectly with no modification and can be put back to original.   Mine is a little later than yours but probably by not more than a few weeks as a guess.  Note the Park bicycle pin spanner wrench with the red handles which I used to open and close the bearing cones.   I had to squeeze the handle together in a bench vise for a perfect fit.

Edited September 14, 2023 by Steve Stephens

[Paul Michael]

59 minutes ago, Steve Stephens said:

David, you got a very nice example I think.   Let us know how it runs if you can.   I replaced the steel ball bearings in my fan with teflon balls for quieter running.   An old member had done that to his Edison and, although I have not compared the steel balls to the teflon ones for quietness I do think the teflon is a bit smoother and quieter.  The balls swap our perfectly with no modification and can be put back to original.   Mine is a little later than yours but probably by not more than a few weeks as a guess.  Note the Park bicycle pin spanner wrench with the red handles which I used to open and close the bearing cones.   I had to squeeze the handle together in a bench vise for a perfect fit.
[photos deleted]

 

59 minutes ago, Steve Stephens said:

 

Ah, PARK TOOLS! Stephen, I think I never told you I used to build bikes and wheels. Have TWO Park truing stands still . . .

Also, I remembered that some years back you posted: "That's a lot earlier than my 10843. I also have photos of 10889 and 10789 and 10561." And I remember 310561 (now David's fan) was shown years back... But I can't find my notes of the highest known serial number. Do you remember who would have been keeping track of such?

 

Edited September 14, 2023 by Paul Michael

[Dave McManaman]

Beautiful fan. Good ol’ Ravenna NE. I’d have made that drive in a heartbeat if I was collecting back then. Thanks for sharing. 

[Scott Braswell]

Beautiful fan David! Congrats! 
Enjoy and thanks for sharing. 

[Steve Stephens]

2 hours ago, Paul Michael said:

 

 Do you remember who would have been keeping track of such?

 

Possibly Bill Samek who wrote an article for the Fan Collector?   Or Steve Chapman who is the one who put teflon balls in hir C-Frame Edison.

[David Kilnapp]

Steve:  Wonderful pictures which I shall surely use as a guide when (and if) I take the Edison apart. Where does one acquire teflon balls?

[Steve Stephens]

1 hour ago, David Kilnapp said:

Steve:  Wonderful pictures which I shall surely use as a guide when (and if) I take the Edison apart. Where does one acquire teflon balls?

Paul Michael, it may have been Bill Samak who wrote about the Edison fans years ago or maybe Someone else?

[Steve Stephens]

David, try a google search for TEFLON ball bearings which is what I did.   I don't remember who responded but they sent me some sample balls for free.  Just measure your balls for size.

 

Edited September 15, 2023 by Steve Stephens

[Jim Henderson]

David. When you find out where to get Teflon balls let me know.😉

[Jim Henderson]

Jim Kovar is going to have a field day with this post.

[Russ Huber]

There are bearing supply businesses throughout the country. You simply go into the office of the business with your bearing (dimensions) and tell them what you seek. They will measure your bearing and order if necessary, what you seek. Been there done that. 🙂

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[David Kilnapp]

Thanks Russ! I'll report on what I find with specifics for ordering (cost, contact name and number etc.)

[Paul Michael]

8 hours ago, Jim Henderson said:

Jim Kovar is going to have a field day with this post.

I was going to make a comment after Steve's post last night too. Rare that I 'filter'—but probably a good thing I did! 🤣

[Paul Michael]

8 hours ago, Jim Henderson said:

David. When you find out where to get Teflon balls let me know.😉

My veterinarian put them in my cat. 🙀

[Jim Roadt]

Hijack warning

would this one  be ~  1897

[Paul Michael]

6 minutes ago, Jim Roadt said:

Hijack warning

would this one  be ~  1897

No. . . still NO serial numbers then, methinks... This is a 4-wing originally, yes?

Edited September 15, 2023 by Paul Michael

[Russ Huber]

They were still offering them in 1916. I have not ever researched when they stopped making them. 

Catalogue of Edison-Lalande Batteries, Edison Motors and Fan Outfits ...

By Thomas A. Edison, Inc · 1916

[Russ Huber]

2 hours ago, David Kilnapp said:

Thanks Russ! I'll report on what I find with specifics for ordering (cost, contact name and number etc.)

FWIW...I took ball bearings from 30s circulators to the business pictured above one hour south of me in past. They were an odd size, but he took a measuring device to it and checked out inventory and told me they had what I needed and would have to order it. In a nutshell, he had all his ducks in a row. Two other bearing shops I had patronized in past was Gopher and Ronco. My bet is if you mention Teflon bearing, they will know what you're talking about.