Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Robbins & Myers List 1404 desk fans, 1911-1917



Introduced for 1911 and continued in production through at least 1916-1917 is what I consider to be one of the best and simplest fans of the period, the Robbins & Myers "List 1404" model 14, three versions of which are shown in the photo above.  A similar 16" fan was also made, the List 1411 and 14110 which, other than the fan size, was basically the same as the 12" model.

Left to right are the original 1911 model (one of my favorite fans and often a daily user) with a guard using a square back ring.  This is the same cage used on later production versions of the R&M "lollipop" fan.  An early lollipop fan is shown below.  For 1912 the guard of the 1404 was changed to a two ring cage using a round wire back ring and the same common flag cage badge that R&M had already been using for a few years.  For the final few years of the 1404 the List No. became 14040 and was, basically, the same fan as the 1404 but with a felt covered base plate.  The last year of production was actually after R&M introduced their new drawn steel fan motors for 1916 and appears to have had a cage with the new, smaller solid cage badge as shown on the right of the photo above.   The fan on the right has its original felt on the base.  All three fans have their original paint, finish on the brass, and head wires.

Was the 14040 continued in production for a year or more after the stamped steel motor modles came out or am I seeing the result of some cage substitutions?  I have found some new information from the Toronto, Canada The Electrical News, below, that shows the old cast iron R&M fans were sold alongside the new 1916 stamped steel models.  This would account for the small round badge on the latest List 1404 models.  It appears that the 12" and 16" fans for 1916, both the old cast iron models and new stamped steel models, used the old flag badge while only the smaller (stamped steel) fans used the new round solid cage badge.  1917 models, both iron and steel had the newer round cage badge and a brass cage.   For 1918 and possibly 1919 R&M's larger fans had a wrapped steel cage followed by a welded steel cage c.1920.

Feb. 15, 1916 The Electrical News, Toronto, Canada
showing that both cast iron models and the new drawn steel models were available at this date.


One can closely, if not exactly, date the List 1404 and 14040 models as follows:
   1911    square back ring cage with open flag badge  (1404)
1912-1914 double ring cage with open flag badge  (1404)
1915-1916  double ring cage with open flag badge  (14040)
   1917    double ring cage with smaller, solid cage badge  (14040)

Robbins & Myers was one of the oldest fan companies, having begun the manufacture of direct current ceiling fans in 1897 in Springfield, Ohio under the ownership of Chandler Robbins and James Myers.  Direct current desk fans were added in 1899.  After acquiring a patent from Charles Eck for an oscillating fan mechanism, R&M put into production their unique DC "lollipop" oscillator in 1904, followed a few years later by an AC version.  A sheet brass disk in front of the fan was acted upon by the air from the fan causing the fan to oscillate back and forth.  Stops on the base of the fan were contacted by a pin at the bottom of the lollipop shaft to shift the disc to the other side, resulting in the fan oscillating to the other side.

An early, c.1905 R&M DC "lollipop" fan produced well before the R&M List 1404 models were introduced in 1911.

R&M had been making only direct current fans until 1908 when their first AC fans were introduced.  Their new 12" and 16" AC fans were made by Westinghouse and re-badged for R&M.  They were virtually identical to the Westinghouse "tank" fans but with the R&M open flag cage badge.  With Westinghouse's impending introduction of a new drawn steel fan motor in 1912 it is likely that R&M found it would no longer have a source of AC fan motors, prompting them to design their own AC fan motor, the "List 1404" and varients.

The 1404 did away with the mechanical start switch of the previous R&M AC fans made by Westinghouse.  The 1404 incorporated three speeds with a good speed separation between high and medium and medium and low.  They also run pretty quietly and are an easy fan to live with for daily use.






The much more commonly used "open flag" cage badge as used on most 1404 and 14040 fans is shown in the top photo, right, and was used on 12" and 16" R&M fans through 1916.  The photo below, right, is of the smaller round badge used during the last year of R&M cast iron fan motor production, presumably 1917.   I have both the 12" R&M 14040 and a 16" R&M 11530 oscillator with the round cage badge.

















Robbins & Myers motor tags from the 1911-1917 era have little information on them; the "List No." (the first two digits are the "model number") and the voltage and frequency, as well as direct or alternating current.  That is all you got- no serial numbers or patent dates or other information was included.  If there were patents pending they never were on the motor tags of these fans as an actual date.



Yes, R&M did make Direct Current versions of the 1404 and 14040.  Above is the motor tag of a later version of the List 1505 with felt base plate making it a List 15050.  Note the 30 volts on the tag.  A standard 110 v. DC version is a List 1500, or List 15000 with the felt base.

Most information for R&M fans is hard to come by.  I have not seen any catalogs of their earlier fans so that I might see what voltages and frequencies they made fans for or the other models that were made in this series of the Models 14 and 15.

Right:  The 1911 1404 on the left in the photo and the c.1915 14040 on the right.  Not too many fan makers pin striped their fans but R&M was one who did well into the 1920s.  Usually a pair of double stripes was used, hand applied, around both the motor and the base.  A single stripe was applied to the sides of the trunnion.   R&M's finish was second to none in this period and their black japan finish was very durable.  It can usually be cleaned up using acetone and a rag and Q-tips with no harm to the japan.  That finish is really tough!

Click on photos in the blog to see a larger version.


There are two wing bolts on these fans.  Here you can see them both painted black; one for the tilt adjustment on the left upper side of the trunnion and a smaller wing bolt, also painted black on this fan, at the bottom center of the trunnion to adjust for side to side position of the fan. The tilt adjustment must be the easiest to use and most secure locking of any fan ever made.  A wonderful design of a simple part.

What is unusual to me is that a brass wing bolt should indicate that the bolt is made of brass and, one would think, a black painted wing bolt would indicate an iron wing bolt.  Also, one would think that brass is earlier and iron is later.  The 1911 model has both wing bolts of lacquered brass.  On the newest fan discussed here, the one with the small, solid cage badge, the large wing bolt is steel but the small one is brass, painted black.  The fan in the center of the first photo and the DC fan both have a brass large bolt but a black steel small bolt.  Such minor details are not uncommon for old fans.  The companies probably used what they had on hand.



Rear bearing caps or covers were never used on these fans.  On the earlier models without the felt base plate a tan fiber cover was screwed to the base which helped to protect the switch and wiring.  Three rubber feet protected the surface the fan was placed on.

Probably a very early R&M 1404 that showed up on ebay.  Note the rear bearing which is not recessed into
the rear motor housing as on every other 1404 and 1411 that I have seen.  Compare to photo above, right.

Below are comparison photos of the early (1911) cage with square back ring and the later cages with the two round rings.  The double ring cages only differed among the years used (1912-1917) by having the smaller solid badge on the 1917 cages.




Cage struts and clips as shown to the right were made of stamped steel in all years and did not differ.  Attaching screws were solid brass.
Blades were highly polished and lacquered.  Cages and other brass parts were probably dipped and lacquered and not highly polished as is commonly seen on modern restorations.  I have never figured out what the "dipped" part of dipped and lacquered is but will often see that term used in fan catalogs of the period.




Some photos, below, of the 30 volt Direct Current, List 15050 fan.  After some cleaning of the commutator and brushes and lubricating the oil cups, this fan runs very well.  I connect the power cord to my variac to reduce the voltage to 30 volts or less and plug it into a power strip socket in which I have installed a bridge rectifier which gives a close approximation of direct current voltage.  The bridge rectifiers are small, about $4 each, and are easy to hook up.  They can be installed inside the base of most early fans if there is room in the base and the fan can then be plugged into a regular house wall outlet.


While the base of the DC models is the same (the switch is not the same) the motor is larger in diameter and deeper, with different construction.   I would say the DC has a better looking motor than the AC versions.  The tubes sticking out from the rear sides of the motor are the brush holders.  Earlier versions differ somewhat in having a screw-on knurled cap.

There were no typical two prong plugs as we know them today until about 1917.  Instead fans and other electrical appliances used "attachment plugs" as shown below allowing the fan to be connected to a light socket.  In the nineteen teens wall outlets began to be installed in buildings but the attachment plugs persisted into the 1930s, by then separable from a standard two prong plug.






Venting on the DC fan motors is very different from the AC motors.  A few large openings on the DC motors contrast with many smaller vent holes on the AC motors.

Oil cups are made of brass and have spring loaded felt wicks in them to wick oil to the bearings.  20 wt. non-detergent is the proper oil to use on old fans.



What about rarity and availability of these R&M fans?  I would say they are a bit uncommon but not too hard to find.   Certainly they are much less common than even the 1902-07 GE pancakes, or the GE "Big Motor Yoke" and "Small Motor Yoke" models of about the same period.  DC models are fairly rare and hard to find which makes sense since Direct Current power disappeard for the most part from our country fairly early.  I bet a lot of DC fans met their fate in the scrap drives of the two world wars.


Thanks goes to a noted collector of R&M fans for providing me with this scan of an R&M catalog page for the 1911 year List 1404 series of fans.
The only numbers I have encountered are the List 1404 and 1411 fans for the common 110 volt 60 cycle current.


What came after the List 1404 and other CAST IRON R&M fans?

Up until 1916 all R&M desk fans were made of cast iron.  Beginning in 1916 R&M had new designs made of drawn steel, a feature that Westinghouse pioneered for the 1912 model year.  It appears that the cast iron models were still available for a year or two after 1916 but, predominately, their fans would be of the new pressed steel construction.

The new offerings included a 6" two speed fan with four blades, a three speed 9", 5 blade fan- Models 26 and 27 (AC and DC), and 12" and 16" 6 blade fans- Model 21 and 22 (AC and DC non-oscillators) as well as oscillating fans, Models 24 and 25 (AC and DC).  The model numbers were the first two digits of the "List Number" which is the important number in describing R&M fans.

For several years the 12" and 16" fans were available only with 6 blades.  A brass cage was used on 1916-17 fans with a change to wrapped steel cages for one or two years more before the cages went to welded steel.   Before the welded steel cages appeared the four blade fans returned and the 6 blade may have been discontinued.  As R&M information is hard to come by I will leave it at this for now until I can update the details.
                                                                                           Pictured at left is a 1916 R&M 6 wing oscillating Model 24 (List 2404).  This is probably the last year for the large, open flag cage badge to be used and followed in 1917 by the smaller, solid, round flag cage badge, still on a brass cage and with a 6 wing blade.    
1916 R&M 6 wing oscillating Model 24 (List 2404).
The corresponding non-oscillating model would be the
List 2104 which was followed several years later
by the 4 blade List 2110 and the oscillating 2410.



 R&M's famous "THE STANDARD" flag cage badge was
used starting no later than 1908, possibly a few years earlier.
Note the gilt like finish which was used on the cage.
The fan blade was highly polished and lacquered.
Compare this 1917 R&M List 2404 with the same model from 1916, above.
The only visible change is in the cage, now using a smaller, solid flag badge.
Knowing that the drawn steel R&Ms came out in 1916 and that they are found
with the open flag badge is helpful in dating these early stamped steel R&Ms.

1916- open flag cage badge.  1917- small solid cage badge.  1918- the same solid cage badge 
remains through much or all of the 1920s.  Cage changes to wrapped steel.  1919- A bit of 
guessing goes on here.  Due to the wrapped steel cages being uncommon I would say that 
1919 was the last year for the wrapped cage or the first year for a new welded steel cage.  
I have yet to determine when the List 21xx and List 24xx ended but it must have 
been in the early 1920s, to be replaced with new but similar models.

        The earlier cast iron List 1404 and the oscillating 1153 models seem to have been 
available, at least in limited numbers, as late as c.1917 as they can be found with the 
smaller, solid cage badge as seen in the very first photo in this blog page.

Below is an R&M ad from May 15, 1916 right after the introduction of the drawn steel frame fans.  Note that the old cast iron models were still being offered, probably into 1917.

(To be continued)  I have not yet covered or even mentioned that there are 16" versions of the 1404; the List 1411, 14110, etc.  The size difference is about the only notable difference although the first year model 1411 (1911) used a square back ring cage but with a front (round) ring that the 12" fan did not use, it had no front ring on the cage.

8-24-16
R&M Flag cage badges- new reproductions:
Often the original cage badge is missing from early R&M fans.  It was a thin stamped sheet brass "flag" as you see pictured in this blog.   Fortunately for those who have a missing badge, which is a very common occurrence, AFCA member Darryl Hudson makes excellent die stamped reproductions that are nearly impossible to tell from the originals.  Darryl made a run of flag badges then ran out. Fortunately he did made another batch around 2014 and I think they are still available.  If you need a badge don't dally, they may sell out again and you don't know if they will be made again.  Darryl does excellent work.  He makes the badges in the original thickness of .010 and the same in a thicker and slightly more durable 0.015" thickness for the same price of $40.00 each plus shipping.   That's a bargain for the quality and intricateness of his badges.

Darryl Hudson
68 Bluegrass Drive, Aiken, SC 29803
(803) 649-6641 http://www.hudsonscustommachining.com
Many high quality reproduction parts supplies: grommets, feet, brush caps, gears, plugs and various hardware. Also custom machining and some restoration services. See Web page or email for complete list. 



       

Above:  Darryl had dies made to stamp out new R&M cage badges.  Quality
is excellent with relief on both sides as per the originals.













Left:  Darryl Hudson reproduction R&M cage badge that has seen some use and had one corner bent some.  What you get form him are perfect and an unpolished bright brass.  Above right; original R&M cage badge with original "dipped and lacquered" finish.    Blades were highly polished and lacquered but not on cages or badges.




Here is a brand new Darryl Hudson reproduction as you will receive them showing the front and the back sides.   Click on any photo to enlarge; two clicks to supersize on many photos.


                   








127 comments:

  1. You seem to be a very knowledgeable collector and fan enthusiast, any interest in writing a book about this hobby of yours?

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    1. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!. Desk Fans

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  2. Actually I am waiting for someone else to publish a large and lavish coffee table book with well restored and original fans in great settings. But, wait, wouldn't that drive up the price we all have to pay for fans? For now my blog will have to suffice for those hungry for information and photos of early fans. A dozen years ago I didn't know zip about old fans. I still have a lot to learn but wanted to treat others to some of what I know and the fans I have an interest in as well as have a web page where the information stays in one place to make it easy to find.
    Steve

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  3. I have a Robbins and Myers single square hoop 12" "Style" # R-134031. Any info on these?

    Thanks

    Greg

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  4. Hi Greg,

    Your R&M predates the R&M List 1404 and is actually a re-badged Westinghouse "tank" model made from c.1907-1911 and, possibly, overlapping the first 1404 by a short time. Take a look at my Westinghouse tank blog where your R&M will fit right in. R&M was, from its inception until c.1907, a maker of strickty DC current fans. It would seem that, instead of designing their own AC fan, that they contracted with Westinghouse to provide their AC fans which Westinghouse obliged until Westinghouse came out with their drawn steel fans in 1912. R&M, probably seeing that Westinghouse would be discontinuing their cast iron motors and would no longer be able to supply a re-badged version to R&M, came out with their first AC fan of their own design, the 1404 which did not use a centrifugal starting switch as alll of the Westinghouse fan motors had. The later Styles R-134031 (and similar) models have a tiny "micro date" in the lower left corner of the motor tag dating to either 1910 or 1911 which would be the last years that Westingouse would make these fans for R&M and, probably, several other companies that they made fans for.

    The first of the Westy made R&M tanks used a different Style No. which did not have a prefix letter. Otherwise they appear the same as the later models with the only apparent differences through the 1907-1911 run of the fans being different voltages as well as being made in 12" and 16" sizes. These are all somewhat uncommon but not rare.

    Prior to 1911 R&M sold their "lollipop" and "feathervane" air driven oscillators which had Westinghouse Tank motors. For 1911 R&M had Westinghouse make a new geared oscillator. The 1912 version of the R&M geared oscillators looked nearly identical to the 1911 model save for the double ring cage used on later 1404 R&Ms but the motor was no longer made by Westinghouse. No start switch and a few other small changes set the 1912 and later geared oscillators apart from the 1911 model. R&M made fan motor have a "List No." on the motor tag but the Westinghouse made fan motors use a "Style No." on the motor tag. The R&M geared oscillator of 1912-c.1916 had a motor that looked exactly like the Westy tank motor. I presume it was actually made by R&M since Westinghouse had moved on to using drawn steel motors and bases. R&M would follow with their own stamped steel motors in 1916. I hope I have satisfied your curiosity.

    Regards,
    Steve

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  5. I have a Robbins & Myers table fan ..serial # M80 R , List # 1204-A , 60 cycles . .35 Amps works great..what yr was this fan made...and what is it worth. Thanks... Andy

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  6. Andy, I am sorry it took so long to reply to your questions. I must have missed notification that you made your comment. I am not familiar with your model of R&M without seeing the fan itself. Most fan companies used a model numbering system that is not easy to learn or understand. Emerson's system is very easy to understand and most collectors do know Emersons by their "Type" number. Information for most other makers' fans is hard to come by and to learn by heart. I have a feeling that your fan may be from the 1930s, a period outside the realm of this blog. May I suggest that you post your question on the Antique Fan Collectors Association website forum. I don't give appraisals here because the value of a fan can vary so widely due to condition, the exact model, and other factors. R&M made a lot of excellent fans for many years. I feel they are under appreciated in many instances.
    Steve

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  7. I have a universal AC/DC oscilating Robbins & Myers fan, list # 2610. It has five blades and is 10" in diameter. Do you have any information on this fan or do you know where I can get information on this fan? Thank you. Linda

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  8. Hi Linda,
    Information on R&M fans is quite limited which is a shame as they made some wonderful fans and some of my favorites. The List 2610, if I am not mistaken made from 1916 with a brass cage and up to c.1920 ending up with a steel cage. I am thinking the fan is a 9" one but measure the BLADE, not the cage diameter to check.

    I had a List 2700 which was a DC only version of your fan. I think they also made an AC only model. Here's a photo of the 2700 I used to have: http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll315/SteveStephens/fans%20for%20sale/?action=view&current=CIMG2556-1.jpg

    You have a very nice fan and I hope you will enjoy its cooling qualities in the warmer weather.

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    1. Hi Steve, Thank you so much for your reply and for the picture of the fan you sold. You are correct, the fan blade is 9" and the cage is brass. Do you think that the value of mine would be any where near the price that you sold yours for and do you have any idea where the best place to sell it would be? Everything on my fan works, it just needs a little cleaning and we had to replace the original plug. Thank you so much. Linda

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  9. Linda,
    It's hard to say if your fan would bring more of less than the one I sold which I had priced for exactly what I had invested in it. Purchased on ebay around 10 years ago it probably sold then for more than it would now plus it was really an exceptionally nice all original fan. I would think ebay would be the best place to sell your fan but be sure to include many excellent, detailed photos plus a complete description. Packing an old fan for shipment so it will arrive safely takes some understanding of how fragile parts of the fan can be as well as the rigors that shippers put packages through.

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  10. Hi Steve,

    I have a Robbins & Myers Oscillating Desktop fan List No 5304.

    Could you please tell me what time period this fan is from?

    Bill

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  11. Bill, I had a hard time learning what year your R&M 5304 is and had to rely on a friend to give me the information. Not too much is written about many of the R&M fans so a lot of guessing has to be employed. Anyway, here's his info: "the 5204 (12 in) and 5304 (16 in) came out circa 1926 - had 6 pole reactor start motors and 4 deep pitch blades".

    The 6 pole motor allowed the motor to run at a slower speed then the more common 4 pole motors yielding a quieter fan. R&M made excellent fans for many years and they are a favorite of mine although I am into the earlier ones from pre-WW-1.
    Steve

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  12. i have a robbins and myers fan but my model number is 8804.110 volts 60 cycles alternating current.4 brass blades.heavy . it has the rm sm flag on flag pole in center.any info on this what year how much its worth.

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    1. Hi Holly, If the LIST number on your R&M fan is 8804 I am not familiar with that model. It may be a later fan than I have information about but, with a brass blade, it should date prior to about 1930. The List No. does not ring a bell with me. Are you sure that you have the "List No." correct of 8804? . May I suggest that you post on the Antique Fan Collectors website and ask there. There are a lot of knowledgeable people but even they may and probably will need to see a photo or two of your fan since most of us don't memorize model numbers. Here's the link to the AFCA forum- http://www.afcaforum.com
      Steve

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  13. Steve,
    I have a Robbins & Myers fan that looks just like the fan on the right at the top of the page. It was in excellent shape until I decided to clean it. I got her back together and plugged it in and sparks came out of the hole that the power cord enters to the motor. I can get the back cover off with no problem, but cannot figure out how to get the front off to access the power cord connection to the motor. Can you let me know how to replace the power cord? The information on fan:

    Robbins and Myers fan
    List #2117
    3-speed AC 16"
    brass blades
    Volts 110, cyc 60
    Springfield, Ohio

    I appreciate information you provide. Thanks, Tom tjlablovers@cox.net

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    1. Hi Tom,
      The 2117 is a model I am not familiar with but it would be one of the first of the stamped steel motor and base models that replaced the older cast iron models in 1916. If yours is an oscillator the front of the motor would have to come off to access the head cord if that is the wire you need to replace. If the fan is a non-oscillator then the rear cover of the motor would be the removable one. Looking at the top of the motor you will see a faint parting line. After removing the screws holding the cover on gently tap and pull the cover off if you can. This may be an exercise in frustration as stamped steel motors can be hard to open up and to remove the stator for a headwire replacement. Sometimes you can get a knife blade, putty knife, etc. into that parting line and help to pry (gently) it apart. Be careful to not mar the paint or metal. If you get the cover off the next step may be to remove the stator but, being unfamiliar with working on stamped steel motor I will refer you to the Antique Fan Collector's website and forum where you can search for what you need to know or post some questions for help.

      If it is just the power cord from the wall to the fan's base that should be easy. Remove the felt covered base plate to access the switch. Any wires that you disconnect be sure to mark as to where they go. The guys on the AFCA will be able to give you some specific instructions should you need them. Often times it is only a worn cord that shorts out. Hopefully no harm has been done to your motor or speed coil by the switch. Good luck,
      Steve

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  14. Hey Steve,
    Thanks for some great info on the R&M's. This past weekend, I picked up a R&M A/C List # 5204 in a garage sale for $20. It looks to be in original condition and is painted black on everything I can tell(except the brass center ring holding the fan blades) including a cage similar to the one on the top of the page on the right side with solid badage. The power cords are original as well as the transformer (?)(wires and insulation are in sad shape) for the speed control switch. I didn't even plug it in to see if worked because the motor is hard to turn over. My question (since I already started taking it apart) - is it worth more to try and restore to original condition and sell for what I can, or just refurbish it with modern wiring and/or other parts along with a repaint (maybe not original colors) to be used as a converstion piece once it it is working again? Also, any idea on what may be wrong with the motor and easiest way to make it work without messing it up. One other thing well I have your attention. Where the base connects to the motor is not the U shaped yoke like the ones above, it is a single piece with what looks like a bolt with a wing nut, it is not a bolt from what I can tell, only a threaded stud for the wing nut - does this sound right? Any other info you can provide on the #5204 would be of great value to me. Oh, it also has on the tag Pat. 3-15-2X X=0,6,or 8, I can't tell which? Thanks in advance for bothering you! Have a great day. Kevin

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  15. Hi Kevin,
    I am not familiar with your List 5204 R&M, at least without seeing a photo. I know of no document showing the great number of R&M's "List Numbers" which might give more information about your fan. My contact phone # is shown in my first post on this blog "Welcome to my Early Fans blog" from Feb. 2011 if you would want to call to discuss your fan.

    You might want to first get the fan to turn over smoothly by making sure the bearings are clean and the oil cups are cleaned and refilled with 20 wt. non-detergent oil or, if the oiling provisions are not oil cups, that the motor is properly oiled. I am not experienced in working on fan motors so cannot tell you what might be the problem with yours. New wiring would certainly be in order and some old style wiring is available from several sources. If you visit the Antique Fan Collectors website there are some suppliers listed in the INFO/RESTORATION & SUPPLIES section or just put up a post asking for what you need and someone should answer with help.

    As for worth, a well restored fan can be worth more than an unrestored one to some people but a very good original may bring more money to others. For fans in fair or worse condition a restoration will be beneficial but, unless you do your own work, the cost of a quality restoration will often far exceed the resulting value of the fan. I always encourage people to restore to original specs and colors but there have been some very nicely done custom colors, sometimes making the fan much more attractive than the original colors. But good old BLACK is hard to improve on with the earlier fans.

    Mostly early fans had their motors often mounted in a trunnion with later fans dispensing as they found ways to allow the motor to both rotate and tilt without using a trunnion. Some of the connections of the motor to base can be difficult to figure out how they come apart. Once you accomplish the task you will see that it is easy but different fans have different "secrets". Lastly, a patent search might give some useful information on the patent on your fan's tag. Good luck and feel free to call me if you want.
    Steve


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    1. Steve,
      Wow, your info above has definitly got me set on a path of seeking some more information, trying to make some difficult decisions concerning a restoration, getting my hands dirty at least one more time (I don't mind this part - I have been taking things apart since I was three-it is the putting back together I sometimes have a hard time with-but the invention of the camera has helped), and always asking myself WWID?

      Thanks for the phone contact information (another great invention by people just like us). I will look it up an believe me - you will be hearing from me one or more times throughout this process, if not to ask how or why, to let you know I finally finish 1 of the 1001 projects I always have going on.

      Thanks again for your time and trouble in dealing with ones like me - it is refreshing to know that some still care about others - after the last month or so that I have gone through. I will try to figure out how to send some pics as well sometime along the way.

      Take care and may you be blessed throughout your life.

      K

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  16. I recentley purchased a 16" brass blade advertised as having come off of a Robbins Myers "The Standard". Well, after I got it, I realized it's designed for counter clockwise rotation. Oops,learned that lesson the hard way. Do you know what years or model numbers would operate counter clockwise?
    Thank you

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    1. I think a good rule of thumb for the rotation direction of the early R&M fans would be that any model having a motor made by Westinghouse, or of the Westinghouse tank type, would be CCW rotating. The one exception would be the R&M lollipop which uses a Westinghouse motor on which the blades rotate CW. A Westinghouse made motor will have a "Style No." while an R&M made motor will have a "List No." R&M started making desk fans right after the turn of the century but they were all DC motors. To enter the AC current market R&M went to Westinghouse and had them rebadge some fans and/or make motors for R&M through 1911.

      CW- Very early R&M DC fans. 1911 and later 1404/1411 style fans. Westinghouse motor R&M 'lollipop". All R&M stamped steel motor fans from 1916 onward.

      CCW- Rebadged Westinghouse motor fans. These are all cast iron motors and bases and would include the stationary tanks from c.1908-1911, the 1911 and later gear back oscillators 151174/1153/1159 (both the 1911 Westinghouse made motor and the 1912 and later R&M version without the start switch), and the "feathervane" oscillator.

      All of the R&M blades will have rounded ends on the wings except for the pizza style 12" lollipops (16' are rounded, at least on later ones) and the very early R&M DC fans prior to c.1909 that have pizza shaped wings. I hope I have covered what you wanted to know and have not left out any model or blade.
      Steve

      Delete
  17. I have a Crocker-wheeler table fan that my grandfather had. I think it's all brass. it works great. it has A.C. 110 volts 60 cycles code 6237 . it has 4 4 inch brass blades. it does not have a cage, looks like it never had one. do you know what it might be worth?

    ReplyDelete
  18. A quick search on bay's completed listings on 3-2-13 shows four CW all brass 8" fans with ending prices from $128 missing the cage to $281 in pretty nice condition to "best offer accepted" on an asking bid of $600 to $630 for one that looked pretty nice but with some cage issues. As you can see the prices are all over the place. The overall condition of any fan will have a big influence on the actual value or what someone is willing to pay. I don't follow the prices of the CW brass fans nor have I ever had one so I hope this is of some help. These fans, by the way, did come with a cage and there is a photo here- http://www.afcaforum.com/forum1/25683.html

    ReplyDelete
  19. hi steve ,I have a r&m , list #2104,it is a 12 in. fan it has 6 brass blades has the old flag badge on the cage. do you have any info. on this model? thanks in advance, jim

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Jim,
    When you say your R&M has the "old flag badge" do you mean the large flag inside the open cage inner ring or on the later, smaller, solid brass cage badge? If the former it would be from the first year of the drawn steel bodies, 1916, when R&M produced only 6 blade fans other than their smaller 9" 5 blade fan. The cage would be a brass one as it would be for 1917 but then with the smaller, solid cage badge and, still, a 6 blade fan. I think the following year, 1918, they went to 4 blade fans and steel cages with wrapped wires and that model was, I think, a List 2110. R&M is very hard to get any information about due to lack of available catalog material as well as lower interest from many fan collectors. Too bad as the company made top quality fans and many models. I consider R&M to be one of what I call the "Big Four" fan makers: GE, Westinghouse, Emerson, and Robbins & Myers. R&M was the smallest by far of those four. I hope I answered your questions.
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Steve,

    I live in Argentina. I have a Robbins & Myers Oscillating Desktop fan List No 5203. Volts 220, Cyc 50.

    Could you please tell me what time period this fan is from?

    Cristina

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Christina, you are in luck as information about R&M fans is hard to find. I happen to have an image from one page of a 1934 catalog that shows the R&M 5300 series fans but also shows two 5200 series which are the 12" version of the 16" 5300 series. I would assume that your model was made for several years during the early to mid 1930s. There would have been a number of different models in the 5200 series with differing voltages and frequency plus a few DC models. I think my first "favorite fan" that I really enjoyed using was a non-oscillator of just about the vintage of your fan. I liked it due to it being quiet when running which was because the motor was a 6 pole slower turning motor.
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Steve!

    Can you tell me anything about my Robbins and Myers List # 1404 Serial # 140-1-N ? It's 100-120 Volts. We just bought this and don't know much about this brand. Thank u so very much!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Noel,
    Are you sure that your R&M fan is a List 1404 and looks like those in my R&M 1404 post, above? To my knowledge no R&M fan had a serial number other than on some early DC models that predate the 1404. Sometimes there are some small numbers on the motor tag but, in the case of R&M, none seem to have been used and they would be a "tag" number anyway and of no consequence. If you would like, phone me on my contact number which you will see on my first post: http://earlyfans.blogspot.com/2011/02/welcome-to-my-early-fans-blog.html
    I can then advise you how to send me some photos of the fan you have. Did you read the List # correctly? Is the fan of cast iron construction with a brass blade? If not you may have a newer fan that I have little knowledge about as I specialize in the early fans. Feel free to call and I will try to tell you what you have. R&M fans are of excellent quality, at least on the older ones, and the company was a very early maker of fans. I would say that they rated just behind the big makers Westinghouse, Emerson, and GE.
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Steve,
    Your site is amazing! So much info, thank you. I am a proud owner of a Robbins & Myer Fan.(it's the best fan I've ever owned and use all the time). My fan was purchased by my grandfather in the early 1900's. and still has all the original parts.
    It looks exactly like the Fan on the right at the beginning of your blog. I don't find it in the list # appearing in your blog. The list # on my fan is very clear and it says List# 2 10 but looks exactly like the 1404.
    The only difference I can find is the layout of the R & M label on my fan has all three values listed on the same line, where the labels you picture have the three values on different lines Any thoughts on the sameness of the fan and the odd List#? Any light you could shed on this family treasure would be most appreciated.

    A million thanks,
    Rick in Ohio

    ReplyDelete
  26. Rick, having a fan that your grandfather bought when it was new or nearly new is wonderful. You mentioned the List No. as being 2 10 but I am certain there is a missing digit after the 2 so that the number should probably be List 2110. I have added some new information to this blog at the bottom entitled "What came after the List 1404 and other CAST IRON R&M fans?" I hope your questions are somewhat answered there but feel free to comment if you want to know more. While your fan may look nearly identical to the featured List 1404 here, it is an entirely new design and construction. Being an R&M it would retain its family resemblance however. The 1404 is an all cast iron fan while the 2110 and R&Ms later than the 1404 are made of stamped (drawn) steel. The steel construction was a fairly new way of making fan motors and bases and resulted in a much lighter fan, good for shipping and for the user to be able to move around easier.
    I am assuming that your fan has a steel cage and four blades and is a non-oscillator. I think that I have photos of one I used to have (a 2110) that I will try to add to the blog.
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello Steve:
    I have a wonderful R&M List Number 3802 Four Blade Oscillating fan. The tag indicates 110 volt / 50 cycles. Runs great, very quiet. All three-speeds works great. I can't find any reference to this list number. Any help?
    John in Northern California.

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    Replies
    1. Hi John, Are you near San Francisco? That's where I am and feel free to contact me by email on the blog contact form. I believer your R&M List 3802 is simply a 50 cycle version of the common 60 cycle List 3804 12" oscillator made in the mid 1920s. There is very little information available on the R&M fans after their cast iron models in the earlier teens but just changing the specs from one frequency to another would change the List No. A 50 cycle fan will run adequately on 60 cycle current at the full 120-125 voltage in our homes. When the frequency is lowered and you are running on 60 cycles it will help some to increase the voltage which is what's done when running at 120 volts for a fan rated at 110. For a higher frequency than 60 cycles running on 60 cycles you would lower the voltage. A 125 cycle fan should run well on about 65 volts though you have to try different ranges to see what works best while keeping the motor from getting too hot. Good luck with your R&M.
      Steve

      Delete
  28. Hi, my 3854, 16' dia. R&M osolating fan works like new and appears to be all origanal. My questio is that i have an idea to repurpuse this fan. Is it worth making it worth around $50 or leave it as is and sell it out right. Thank you for you time.

    ReplyDelete
  29. The R&M List 3854 is a good and relatively common brass bladed fan from the mid 1920s and of high quality. I don't know what you have in mind to repurpose your fan but I always hope one will keep their old fans and other antiques in their original condition as much as possible. It seems a shame to take an antique and make it into something else. I encourage you to conserve your old R&M.

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    Replies
    1. I have a R&M 3854 model with some rust on the base of the fan but runs quiet and blows alot of air how much would this sell for ? Good asking price on amazon or ebay? It is missing fan cage

      Delete
    2. Taylor, determining a price or value of an old fan, like most antiques, one needs to at least see some photos of the item and know more about the condition, does it run, etc. I would have to search on ebay to learn what your fan could be worth and I suggest that you do the same. It may take some time but you will learn more about your fan and its value.
      Steve

      Delete
  30. Hi Steve I have found a R&M fan but can not find much info on it.. I haven't found model number but I can give you this much.
    Type- Empty
    Fram -593
    H.P- 1/8
    RPM- 1750
    Volts-110/220
    Cyc-60
    Phase-1
    Amps- 3/ 1.5 or 3 1.5
    Serial number- M15228PD.
    Any info on this would be great I've looked but have not seen any fans that look like this one.
    Thanks, Josh

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Josh,
    I think you have a fan that someone may have put together using a regular motor, not a fan motor that would be marked with a LIST NO. I'm sorry, but I have no information about what you have. You contact me by with the CONTACT ME at the top right of my blog page with your email and I will email you back so you can send me some photos if you want.
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  32. Steve,

    Great website. I really appreciate the time spent to document R&M fans and help out the rest of us. I recently purchased a list 3804 the needs restoring. I have restored several GE and Westinghouse fans in the past for fun but I was surprised when I pulled this one apart that speed control was via a transformer rather than resistive. I cut the wires between the motor and the fan before I realized that there were three wires in the bundle rather than the expected two. Opps, too anxious I guess. Now I have to figure out which goes to what. Any suggestions? Also is I have never had to remove a stater windings before and always assume that it was pressed into the housing. Do these really "pop" out easily?
    Thanks so much for any insight you may have on these two issues.

    John B

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    Replies
    1. John B. If you still need the wiring info for the 3804 email me. I have it. Jeff
      jhporges@gmail.com

      Delete
  33. Thank you John. I'm afraid that I can't be of much help to you as I have almost no hands-on experience working on more than the very basics of my fans and I stick pretty much with the easier to work on cast iron fans of the earlier period. I think most AC fans did use a speed coil, a sort of transformer, to control the speed. I hope that I have my terminology correct here. I'd recommend that you post on the Antique Fan Collectors Association website (link at top of my blog) and ask your questions. A photo of your fan will show others who may not know the numbers what your fan looks like. It's actually a fairly common and popular model. Good luck and maybe someday I'll make the time to both add to this blog and learn more about the inner workings of my fans.
    Steve

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  34. Can anyone point me in the right direction in finding a fan the oscillates, not only side to side but also clockwise?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Do you have a particular type or size or make of fan in mind? I know there are some ceiling fans that rotate all the way around like the Westinghouse Rotaire as well as some European fans that I am not familiar with. Also the Jandus Gyro and Westinghouse Gyro ceiling fans with two motors and blades which rotate constantly in a circle. To find any of these uncommon fans you can watch Ebay or maybe put a Wanted post on the Antique Fan Collectors Buy-Sell-Trade website. There is no charge to do so but I think what you are looking for are rather rare and hard to find. For a brief time I owned an Italian Maffitini revolving fan but it did not work when I had it. Good luck in your search. You don't say where you are from but fans can often be found much easier in some countries than in others.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi , my name's Leandro , I'm from Buenos Aires , Argentina. I'm a antique fan collector and I have a beautiful R&M List 1152 oscillator in working condition.I would like to know if you can help me to date it. Thanks in advance and best regards.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Leandro, Although I have not covered the R&M gear back oscillator models in my blog that you are asking about, I am familiar with them and have several. Very heavy duty and well made, they date from 1911 to at least 1917. For the last several years a "0" (zero) was added to the end of the list number so, if your fan were a later one, it would be List 11520. The more common model seen here in the US is the List 1153 and 11530, differing from your 220v 50 cycle 1152 in being 110 volts and 60 cycles. Although I said these models were made from 1911 the first year was somewhat different in the motor with Westinghouse being the motor manufacturer and having a centrifugal start switch. For 1912 R&M came out with their own version of the Westinghouse tank motor but without the start switch and a few other very small differences. I think 1912 models have a top mounted GREASE cup over the front bearing while all later cast iron R&M oscillators have the bottom OIL cup. I am guessing your fan is a 1912-13 and possibly a 1914 model with 1914 or 1915 becoming the 11520.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have a R&M list 3804, Springfield,Missouri. Can you tell me what year it was manufactured and estimated value. It is in good condition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The best I can do as to the year is middle 1920s but for how long it was made I don't know. In fact, I am not that knowledgable about many fans from after around 1920 as my interests are in the earlier eras. There is very little information available about the various R&M models and almost no old catalogs that I have seen. As to the value, I can say that it is not a valuable or rare model but condition is all important in determining value. You might check SOLD listings on ebay to see what you can find out.

      Delete
  39. Hi, I find very interesting blog, my name is Pablo and I live in Buenos Aires Argentina, I am repairing a R & M DC 220 Volts List No 3977, did not find much information on this model, and I find it very strange voltage 220V DC , would not know who might have intended purpose.
    The person who sold it to me told me he is about 70 years.
    We would appreciate if you comment me some information of the same
    I send you greetings and thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Pablo. From the List No. of your R&M I am thinking that it may be from the 1920s if it is similar in looks and construction to the List 3804, a common R&M AC fan. Being DC your fan would have a different List No. and the 220 volts would also give it a different List No. than a 110 volt fan, whether AC or DC. For every change in rated voltage or frequency (50 cycles or 60 cycles, etc.) the List No. would be different. You might try a Google search for that List 3804 to see if it LOOKS like your 3977. Of course yours will have brushes and brush caps as it is a DC fan. 220 volts is very common around the world, in fact, more commonly in use I think than 110 volts. I see fans from Argentina being sold on ebay and they are usually 220 volts and 50 cycles. You may be able to get some specific information from the forum of our Antique Fan Collectors Association http://www.afcaforum.com/forum1/
      I hope I have answered your main questions. As with the last comment posted I have to say that I am not very well versed on most fans after around 1920. Regards,
      Steve

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  40. I have a Robbins & Myers alternating current 110 volts 60 cycle fan and the list no. Is 3854-c. I also have a few more old fans that id like to get an opinion on. I have an Emerson Electric 115 volts 60 cycle 1 amp 79646-ax. I also have a Westinghouse Electric alternating current motor 100-120 volts 60 cycles and the number on it is 164848i 1652790. The las one is an Emerson Jr. 10 inch oscillation 110 volts 60 cycle. Id just like to get some knowledge of the fans I have. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John,
      I would be happy to try to give some information on your fans. It would be best if you used the red CONTACT ME near the top right of my blog page and include the same message to me. With your email address and/or phone no. I can give you more information. Your R&M List 3854 is a relative common and very good quality 12" oscillator from the middle 1920s. I have had a few of them in years past but my more recent interests are with earlier fans.

      Delete
  41. Hi can anyone tell me where I can fine a wiring schematic for a vintage hunter fan and ventilating co. 110-120 volts. 60 cycles. 0.55 serial AB cat 262 type C010

    ReplyDelete
  42. There are very few wiring diagrams for early fans. I'd suggest posting on the appropriate forum of the Antique Fan Collectors Association (link at top of my blog page) with your wants and someone may know the fan you have. One the club's site are some wiring diagrams but I have to say I am totally unfamiliar with your fan. Can't know them all and my interests are highly directed to cast iron fans of the pre-1920 period. Anyway, here are four pages of wiring diagrams on the AFCA site: http://home.comcast.net/~jmccomas2/wiring/Page1.html

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi, Can anyone tell me what year Robbins & Myers came out with the 22046 Ceiling fan? I see there are a lot of similar fans from the 1980's The one I found has the old cloth wire inside and looks olders than the 1980s.

    Thanks
    Greg

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    Replies
    1. Greg, unfortunately it is hard to find much information on most R&M fans with catalogs that might show useful information pretty scarce. My blog and personal interests lie with pre-1920 desk fans and I have almost no knowledge about ceiling fans. Wish I had higher ceilings so I could install one or two old ones. My ceiling fan 'collection' numbers exactly two and both R&Ms: List 6204 36", c.1930s as my guess, and a c.1920s 42" model hiding somewhere in my house. You might find some information on your fan if you post on the Antique Fan Collectors Assoc. website.

      Delete
  44. HI I have a Robbins & Myers INC 3 speed oscillating fan list #1204 serial # M12516-M don't know or show the year on tag but need a replacement motor Thanks, Wes

    ReplyDelete
  45. Wes, I don't know what your fan is without a photo. Because early R&M fans did not have a serial number and your List # could be from the 1930s I can't help you here. You might put up a post on the Buy-Sell-Trade forum with a good photo of two of your fan on the AFCA site (link near the top of this blog). A replacement motor would probably only be available from a fan collector who had a parts fan the same model or similar to yours or you might find a parts fan or running one that is cosmetically challenged on eBay. Good luck with your project. If you want to send me some photos of your fan I will get back to you. Send me your email using the CONTACT ME form near the top of this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  46. How do I open the GEC 12" vintage fan? I need to replace the wiring. Thanks. Ferdi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ferdi, if you will send me your email address by way of the CONTACT ME form on this blog I can email you so you can send me some photos of your GEC, a make that I have not owned nor am I familiar with. Opening up a motor usually involves removing some nuts or screws then removing the front or real motor plate which sometimes can be hard to removed if it's a stamped steel housing. Carefully tapping around the perimiter can be helpful. Sorry I can't be of more help but if you post your question on the Antique Fan Collectors Association forum you may get an answer.

      Delete
  47. Hi Tracy, I tried to edit your comment to preserve the location of the fan you are interested in but it all deleted which I hope is ok. I have copied some of your comment below with certain info omitted and have made comments (******) within your comment. Please use the CONTACT ME FORM near the top of my blog page and send me your email or phone so I can contact you about your searches and interests. I may have some information on the Tesla fan you search for and the other fan you are interested in. Regards, Steve

    I'm looking at buying a 12" fan. ******I know the fan in question and, although there are some bad things about it, I think the good easily outweighs the bad. The missing parts may be hard to find but probably not impossible and new power cords are easy. The cost you mentioned seems very reasonable even if it needs some work to make it usable.******

    Ideally I want a Westinghouse fan with the Tesla pending patent inscribed on the plate - but have not found one. ******Now that is a nice fan although a hard one to find as they are in high demand but they are out there and in fan collectors' hands and do come up, several a year (eBay or the fan club's buy-sell-trade), or have been. I can give you more information if you contact me with your contact info.******

    Random background Re: my passion for industrial age cutting edge technology of it's time:
    My grandfather studied Tesla (Bill Lear of Lear Jets was his friend and fellow student at RCA in Chicago) prior to him becoming one of the first pilots to cross the Pacific . He was always inventing things - including the current technology still utilized in pilot air-buds. I'm always on the lookout for Tesla's original inventions created during his lifetime.

    Anyway, he sparked a great interest in his granddaughter (me) in all things electrical & studying the brilliant leaders in innovation, aviation and technology.
    Lastly, any idea where I could find a Westinghouse / Tesla fan? ******see above******
    Thank You Kindly,
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi Steve, We have a Robbins and Myers Inc. 4 blade, black, oscillating fan. List No. 1604.

    Heather Hill, DeLand, FL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A very nice fan indeed with a 6 pole slow running motor making these fans pretty quiet. Prior to my getting interested in antique fans I did have a similar model but a non-oscillator and a few years earlier than yours which I used frequently because it was so quiet and smooth running. It had to go to a new home when I was bitten by the older fans from pre-1920 but, for using, a great fan.

      Delete
  49. Hello Steve, and thank you for the blog. It's been a wealth of information. I'm having a hard time finding any information on the following List#.
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/279323198/reserved-for-doug-robbins-myers-fan It has brass blades so probably before 1930, although it's listed as 1910-1920. Can you identify the year? Should I use a electrical current reducer for this item? I've noticed you mention a "contact me" item on this blog, but do not see any such option. Thanks for any help and advice as I'm ready to purchase but want as much information as possible from and expert like yourself. Thanks Again !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good morning. First off, the "CONTACT ME" can be seen on any page of my blog in the top right corner of the light blue background ¾ to the right on the page. Send me your email and I will contact you.

      I am barely familiar with your R&M fan which is a List 4504 and, I think, from the late 1920s. I have a nice one but it does not run. Those look like a less expensive fan than the 12" ones that R&M had been making since 1916 with the stamped steel body. Again, we are hampered with the lack of information and catalogs for R&M fans. Models 38 I think was in the mid to later 1920s, your model 45 would fit in c.1930, and Model 53 is in the 1934 catalog. R&M's "model" was the first two digits of the List No. Good luck if you decided to grab that 12" R&M, it should be a nice fan although not a high dollar one and one of the last of the brass blade fans from any maker.

      Delete
  50. Hello,

    I have R&M 1604 is decent shape. I re-balanced the blades, cleaned the wicks, oiled with mineral oil, and added mineral oil to the grease in the gear box along with new grease and everything spins easily. My problem is that (if looking at the back of the fan) the right intermediate oscillation shaft end cap was gone. I found the end ball bearing (5/32") in the grease. My brother 3D printed me a new end cap with a recess for the ball. The fan works great and oscillation is perfect. Except for that I can't turn it off. I can only set it to 0* of oscillation. I thought this was the design but read around that the chrome knob is supposed to be able to turn off the oscillation or if the fan hits something it is supposed to disengage. Can you describe how that is supposed to work? Any pics, videos, documentation, parts?

    Thank you!,

    Joe F.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi Joe,
    I am not terribly familiar with the List 1604 but it does follow the typical construction of R&M fans from the mid 1920s. There are two photos shown on the AFCA forum: http://www.afcaforum.com/view_topic.php?id=38881&forum_id=1&highlight=R%26amp%3BM+1604

    I am not sure what you are referring to as the "right intermediate oscillation shaft" but maybe I don't need to know. It seems like you have most things fairly well figured out.

    The oscillation disc or round "wheel" like thing below the gearbox has a small (about ⅜" diameter) thumbscrew on the side of the wheel. That can be screwed in or out which changes the degree of oscillation. To stop oscillation I do think it should be able to be done by turning the larger chromed knob on top of the gearbox one way or the other. I never seem to remember which way does what buy I would first try to get the knob to turn either way it will. The knob is often pretty tight on some other similar fans like the GEs and I have had to resort to using pliers (protect the surface of the knob) for added leverage. Don't twist too hard though. If you can get the knob to turn one way you can turn it snugly the other way and see how the oscillation works. In the middle I think the fan head can be swung back and forth (if it works like the GE...I don't currently have a similar R&M fan to try). Tightened one way the oscillation will stay working while turned the other way it will lock the motor head in position so it won't turn. I have a feeling the knob has been tightened too forcefully and it's resisting attempts to turn it the other way. My 1922 GE oscillates with the top knob turned CW and locks in place in no oscillation when the knob is turned CCW. Hope this helps.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hello I picked up a R&M list no.1159 16" brass blade and brass cage oscilatting table fan at a garage sale. The center badge is missing but runs like it is new smooth and quiet. Any information on this fan. What kind of center badge was supposed to be on it I would like to find one to finish this off.The finish on the fan cleaned up very nice but the blades and the cage is not shiney should i have them buffed I dont want to warp the blades. Thinking to sell it. Thank you Don

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Don, it's a very common problem for the old R&M fans to be missing the cage badge. What they look like is exactly as on the first photo in this R&M blog and excellent reproductions are available from Darryl Hudson in South Carolina. Price is $40 each plus shipping for .010" or .015" thickness. Original was the .010" thickness. See near end of my R&M 1404 blog page for new photos of the badge. R&M blades for your fan were highly polished and lacquered but the cage was finished "dipped and lacquered" which was a duller and unpolished finish. A cage badge added to your 1159 R&M will finish it off nicely.
    Darryl Hudson
    68 Bluegrass Drive, Aiken, SC 29803
    (803) 649-6641 http://www.hudsonscustommachining.com
    Many high quality reproduction parts supplies: grommets, feet, brush caps, gears, plugs and various hardware. Also custom machining and some restoration services. See Web page or email for complete list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When ordering parts from anyone please confirm the price before you order. The $40 mentioned above for the reproduction R&M flag badge I may have increased in value since I last posted and it's possible that the badge may be out of production; you will have to check with Darryl Hudson, contact info just above.
      Steve

      Delete
  54. Hi. My name is Bill and I just purchased a newly refinished R and M 1917 list number 2840 AC/DC, four blade fan and I was wondering if someone can tell me if the motor is supposed to make a little ticking sound where I can see the electric current in the back of the motor. I'm hoping that it's normal to see the electric current while its on.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi Bill, Your 8" R&M List 2840 is an 8" fan and has a brush motor with commutator. The sparking is not normal unless, maybe, it's a very small amount of sparking and it could be the brushes and commutator need to be cleaned or the brushes are worn or the channels the brushes ride in are dirty and sticky. I use a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol to clean in there as well as the brushes and commutator. When removing the brushes be sure to put them back in the same side they came out of and in the same position, in other words, keep the top of the brushes on the top. This is because the brushes wear to the commutator. Not being terribly knowledgeable about cleaning and servicing brushes and commutators you should search for information such as "how to clean and service (or maintain) small motor brushes and commutators". There is a lot of good information on the internet. Check the commutator to be sure it is not unduly worn or pitted, that the brushes are of sufficient length (maybe at least ¼" left, the springs are in good condition and so on. New brushes can be readily bought from a number of sources. Here's an AFCA thread about the 2840: http://www.afcaforum.com/forum1/25297.html

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  56. Bill, I neglected to comment on the ticking sound you mentioned. Brush motors will have their own unique sound but a ticking I don't think is normal. Check the commutator for any worn or pitted sections and the brushes to see that they are installed correctly corresponding to the normal wear on the end of the brushes. See my comment just above to keep brushes in the same location and rotation as they were. The ends of the brushes should have a slight curve that matches the curve on the commutator. Make sure the brush springs are in good condition and have not somehow made contact with the commutator. Check with the person you purchased the fan from maybe? Good luck.

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  57. Hi Steve,
    I just purchased a Robbins & Myers fan at a yard sale. The list #4312. It's a 3 speed small desk top. I was told it works, but I'm reluctant to plug it in. Any idea the approximate value of the fan?
    Thank you,
    Wendy

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  58. Hi Wendy, R&M as you will see in some comments above are hard to find information on many of their models. I am not familiar with their List 4312 but, if you send me a few photos I'll see what I can tell you. Go to the "Contact Me" box near the top right of the page and send me your email address. I'll get back to you with my email and you can send me the photos. It's often a good idea to not plug in an old appliance that might have issues with the wiring. There are ways to do it using a simple "dim bulb tester". I don't remember if I have posted one on my blog or not.
    Steve

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  59. Hello, I have a R&M 12" 115V 60Cyc 70AMP fan. On/off. List#D10A6-02. The only other info I have is it works and well! Is there any other data you may have to help me determine it's history and perhaps it's current value? Thanks, S

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  60. Hi S,
    I will need to see a few photos of your fan as I am not familiar with the List No. It is much newer than the fans of my interest but I still may know something about it if I see photos including the data tag. You can contact me through the CONTACT ME link in the upper right of the forum and I will then send my email address to you for photos.
    Steve

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  61. Hi. In my shop I have a R and M model C94ARNF fan. The blades measure 25" across. They are aluminum with somewhat of a teardrop cup at the tips. It's a 4 blade. It's 110 Volt with a RM 1hp motor and has 6 speeds on a box mounted half way up the stand. Total height with 4 legged and wheeled stand is almost 75". It does not oscillate but can tilt. I can't find any info online. Would you know anything about it?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Neal, My interests and expertise are pretty much with pre-1920 desk fans from the US and, as such I am not familiar with your fan. You can try posting and asking on the AFCA website forum and include some photos so others will see what you have.
      http://www.afcaforum.com/view_forum.php?id=1

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  62. I have a Robbins Myers oscillating fan . The list No. is 3854-0 , volts 110, cyc 60. The fan has three speeds and with four blades and each blade being 7 1/4 inches long . I cannot figure out how to oil the fan. Can you help me?

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  63. Hi Andrea, your R&M fan is a bit later than I try to cover in my early fans blog but it's not far different. Most old fans use a form of a spring loaded felt wick inside a brass or steel cylindrical oil cup under the front and rear bearing. Some of the oscillators get lubrication from the oscillator gearbox but your fan has, I am pretty sure, oil cups front and rear.

    Unscrew the oil cup and mostly one will see what looks like old hardened grease but that's just very old solidified oil. Carefully pull out the felt wick and spring. I "unscrew" the wick from the spring (it will "screw" one way better than the other to remove then to replace the wick inside of the spring. Clean the wick or replace. I roll the wick back and forth on a section of newspaper with some WD-40 on the newspaper. Or, better yet and with gloves, roll the wick around on your palm with some WD on your hand. Then roll the wick on a paper towel to blot the dirty residue. Repeat until it's pretty clean. Blot well and "screw" the wick into the spring. You want the wick to have a light pressure against the motor shaft which you will have to figure out the best you can. Fill the oil cup about 2/3 full of 20 wt. non-deterrent motor oil and screw the oil cup in place. Some further cleaning with a Q-tip with WD-40 on it can do a better job in the hole the wick goes up into.

    The gearbox should also be cleaned out well. I use a flat screw driver blade to dig the oil grease out then, maybe, Q-tips and WD. Put a good coat on the gears of multipurpose grease and close up the gearbox. Be sure when you are opening up the gearbox that you don't lose any small or larger fiber washers on the ends of any gear shafts.

    There is a thread on our AFCA forum about your fan with some photos and other info that may be of interest to you.
    https://www.afcaforum.com/forum1/13136.html
    R&M made some wonderful fans and yours is one of them. It probably dates from the early to later 1920s.

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  64. Hello all. I hope I am not intruding here by posting as an outsider. I purchased a R & M fan at a yard sale this morning. The List No. is 104. Serial B 72343 A. It appears to be a 9" fan. We picked it up hoping that it would match the age of the home I am trying to purchase that was built in 1905. All I can find on the web is that it is an early unit. Can anyone help determine the age? I think it's awesome even if it was made last week.

    Thank YOU!
    Trenton

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  65. Hi Trenton, no problem at all and I would be happy to see if I can date your fan. I'll need some photos since I don't recognize the List No. Please to to near the top right page of my blog and use the CONTACT ME form to send me your email and/or phone number and I will get back to you on where to send some photos. A c.1905 R&M fan will be a rare item and I don't know if they were making small fans such as a 9" back that early but they did have one right around 1908.
    Steve

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    Replies
    1. Typo: Please GO to near the top right page of my blog and use the CONTACT ME form...

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  66. What year or circa would a 1604A fan be.?

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  67. Well, that's a hard one to answer and R&M made it anything but easy to follow and understand their List numbering system if they had a system. I ended up looking on Google for that model which is a 16" from the early, possibly mid, 1930s. A very good fan that probably has a 6 pole motor giving a slow speed for quiet operation. There is a dearth of catalog material for R&M which leaves us collectors and users out in the dark. Fortunately the early R&Ms that I love have enough information available on them.

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  68. I have a 3500 and a 3504B and am wondering what year these two fans might be. Can you help?

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  69. Joe, I was able to find some good information on the R&M 3500 introduced in 1920.
    http://afcaforum.com/forum1/45533.html
    See the 6th post for mention of the List 3504 which looks to have been similar but with oil cup lubricatino instead of just having oil holes.

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    Replies
    1. More info on the 3500 and 3405 R&M fans:
      http://www.afcaforum.com/forum1/49317.html

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  70. Hello! I am needing information on a vintage Robbin's & Meyer's oscalating fan with serial # 415942. Any ideas on where to start. In addition to tag with R&M information it also has a metal tag that says "US Treasury Department #279.
    Thank you,
    RaJohnia

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  71. Hi RaJohnia, If you will contact me via the "Contact Me" form at the top right of the blog and send your email address I will get back to you so you can send me some photos of your fan. I have a feeling however that it is probably a lot newer than my knowledge but let's give it a try.

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  72. I have a Sr No. 1504 2-R It has a three ring cage, a dimond shaped name plate, and number who's prefix I can not read, it is 1504 A. What can you tell me about it .

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    Replies

    1. Please take a look at this post on the AFCA forum for a List 1504. https://afcaforum.com/forum1/39211.html

      Is the fan pictured the same as your R&M? I don't know the significance of the A at the end of the List No. but probably something very minor. Those are excellent fans from c.1937, probably with a 6 pole motor for slower (quieter) running. Very well made, somewhat uncommon, and unique in design.

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  73. Hey, maybe you can help... I have this R&M black motor 6 wing fan in a tall mount which may have been custom built. The label says Volts 100/200 Cycle 60 Amps .7 List 6304 Serial 63-1-M.

    On the fan blades the letters M-Y-S-T-I-C are painted and I live in LA so maybe it was a movie prop or from early theater used as a stage prop. Its kinda cool thats why I bought it an an estate sale. Did they make industrial like shop fans or did someone take the motor and blades off an table top version and mount it.

    THNX

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  74. I can't help you on your fan as information on R&M fans is hard to find. I did find this Western Electric List 6304 which is a rebadged fan made by R&M that might be what you have or close to it. I suggest that you post your questions on the AFCA website where the following post was made:
    https://www.afcaforum.com/forum1/45407.html

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  75. I have a 8inch 4 blade single speed oscillating fan. List no 705 220v 60cycle ac. Has cardboard on base. Square box on back of motor. Can you date for me. Thks steve

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  76. Does anyone know the difference between the Robbins and Myers Model 1604 and 1604-A? I see a bunch of 1604-A models for sale out there, but not much info on the 1604. An old catalog listing I saw shows the 1604 (not the "A"), so it got me curious. I have working Model 1604 (Serial NPS-588M) and I'm trying to get more information on it. Any background info would be appreciated. Regards.

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  77. R&M questions can be very difficult to find information for due to the lack of there being many old catalogs available online, etc. I don't even know what the List 1604 is as it is probably later than my interests in collecting. I think it is c.1930 or close to that. Good fans with 6 pole slow turning motors and a deeply pitched blade for quiet running. I can only think that the -A on your List No. is a small change from one year to the next in production. I did look up R&M 1604 and came up with this post on the AFCA: https://www.afcaforum.com/forum1/13347.html
    Wish I could be of more help but suggest a post on the Antique Fan Collectors pre-1950 forum might get you an answer.

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  78. Thanks. I did see that post you provided the link to; however, you are correct...information on these old fans is difficult to find. I had the same thought as you regarding the "-A", I just can't confirm. I will keep looking. Thanks again.

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  79. I have a Robbins & Myers Alternating Current 16 inch Fan with brass cage with the flags. It oscillates and is a 3 speed. The tag on the motor has 110 Volts 60 cycles List No-11590. Any idea what year this was made It does run but needs a new cord. Very nice original paint with gold stripes. Thanks.

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  80. I have not covered the R&M cast iron oscillator models like you have but hope to someday. The 11590 is a slightly later model than the 1159 that came out in 1912 to replace the 1911 only Westinghouse made motor Style 151174. This was the first of the R&M gearback oscillators and used a centrifugal start switch motor made by Westinghouse and had a guard with a square back ring. For 1912 when Westyinghouse had discontinued making their old cast iron "tank" motors R&M came out with a near copy but without a start switch that was made through the 1917 model year. Somewhere around 1914-15 R&M changed the List 1159 to 11590. The only difference I have seen on the "0" models are a felt covered base pan. Your fan is close to 1914-15 but no later than 1916, the last year with the open flag cage badge which was replaced by a smaller, solid R&M badge in 1917.

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  81. Hello! I have a robbins myers fan 110 volt I can't finde any information about it or can't find any information about it on the internet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, I can't help you without knowing more about your fan and seeing a photo of it. I have a CONTACT ME form near the upper right of my blog so you can give me information to allow me to contact you and, then, you can send ME some photos, etc. Please submit that form with pertinent information to help me help you.

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  82. I looking for a motor for a Robbins & Myers fan 3804 or 3804E Thank You Warren

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  83. Hi Warren, check with antiquefanparts.com
    or post on the AFCA website for your wants (free)-http://www.afcaforum.com/forum2/

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  84. Hi Steve,

    I have a working cast iron 6-fin Robbins & Myers fan that is only missing the speed control unit/lever in the base. I have 3 questions, please.

    1. After I have sanded and smoothed the base what would you suggest I paint it with?

    2. Any suggestions in finding or in creating a speed control for the base. I used a dimmer switch while cleaning and testing everything.

    3. I’m finding it difficult to find 6-fin cast iron 1404 to get an idea of how I should price it. Why are these hard to find?

    Thank you,
    Michael

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  85. Hello Steve my name is Rhonda Cole I have a 115.volts 60 cyc ac current 1.3 Amps
    List # 22004 it has hunter in the middle on the front and its cast iron
    On the plate it says robbins&myers,inc can u tell me around what year this fan was made and if its worth something thank u cause I cant find nothing about this fan

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rhonda, I think your fan may be later than i know about but some photo will help me know what fan you have. If you will CONTACT ME via the contact near the top of my blog page and give me your email address I will contact you for some photos or you can make things happen faster by including your email or phone number in a new comment. I don't recognize the List number on your fan.

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  86. Do you know anything about the...

    List NO. 2410

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  87. I have had several of the R&M List 2410 fans that were made from about 1918 through the mid 1920s but sold them many years ago to concentrate on older, cast iron models of R&Ms so I am afraid that I cannot help you. Were you to include your email or phone number in the CONTACT ME FORM at the top, right of my blog page, I could have answered in more detail. As it is I have no way to contact you.

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  88. Hi Steve
    This might be a curly one for you, I have a RM list 3809 and it 240V 60hz and I live in Australia I have not been able to get much info on the model any info would be great
    Thanks Dave

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  89. Hi Dave,
    I'm not going to be able to help you since my interests end with the earlier cast iron fans in the mid teens. There is very little information on the later fans, at least that is easy to find. May I suggest you post on the AFCA forum and hopefully someone will be able to help you. The list number on your fan 3809 makes me think it is a different voltage and frequency variety of a common earlier stamped steel model. I have sold mine and pretty much cut off my interest in the mid teens before the stamped steel models were made. Good luck.
    Forum: https://new.afcaforum.com/index.php?/forum/6-pre-1950-antique/

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  90. Hi I have a R & M list no. 3500 ac/dc can you tell me anything about it thanks

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  91. I have a R&M fan list 1153 that articulates however I don't know how to disengage the oscillating. Are they made to always oscillate?

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    Replies
    1. On the bottom of the oscillating wheel there should be a shoulder screw that attaches the linkage to the wheel. When you put the screw in the CENTER hole of the wheel the fan will keep running as usual but will not oscillate. A number of fans were made this way.

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  92. Mine is a 1404 it has R&M Junior on the front badge any idea what year it was made & value?

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    Replies
    1. I can't help you on the date of your R&M Junior fan as I think it is quite a bit later than the "List 1404" that this blog deals with. I have seen a few models like yours and was curious as to why the List 1404 was used again on a later fan that is not related to the 1911-17 R&M LIst 1404 in my blog here. It is hard to find much information on R&M for some reason. An excellent and old manufacturer that made fans for many decades starting in the later 1800s I think.

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  93. Hi Steve …. My name is Marty and trying to figure out how to contact you / send pics? Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Hi Marty. Email me at ironageman@comcast.net

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  94. Hello all, I have a Robbins and Myers fan List Number 3854-C, I bought the fan for $45 at a second hand shop and it runs great, my question is what is the best oil to use for the fan blades and Osculation, also can you tell me a little about this fan.

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  95. I had a few of that model R&M early in my fan collecting and they are good fans and not rare. I soon got interested in earlier tans so they are the ones I am more familiar with and I can't give much information (you can contact me in Calif at 415-453-7790) on the 3854 but check out a google search I did on that model and maybe you can learn more- https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=R%26M+3854

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    Replies
    1. Marty, forgot to add about the best oil to use. I use "Zoom Spout" available at many hardware stores like ACE. It's a 10 or 20 wt. oil and 20 wt. is usually recommended. For the gearbox after cleaning out the old lubricant add about half full of a good non-high temperature wheel bearing grease or the Red 'N Tacky grease in the tube.

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  96. I have a R&M List 2506, 3-speed oscillating fan. It was my grandfather's from his office when he worked for either Greyhound or the MTA in Boston. I got it working (1st and 3rd speed only), but don't know anything else about it. Any ideas?

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  97. Hi! I have a R&M List 2506 and can't find ANYTHING on it! It was in my grandfather's office when he worked for either Greyhound or the MTA in Boston (I don't know which job he originally got it from, but he retired from the MTA). I cleaned it up as best I could and replaced the broken plug cord. It now works, but only in 3rd speed. It is a 3-speed oscillating, four blade fan. Any info at all (date, maintenance, etc.) would be welcome. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

I welcome comments, corrections. or new information.