There are some copies of a GE Supply Parts of Electric Fans dated May 1923 that indicate the Form letters for various models. 'Parts of A-C and D-C. 12-inch, oscillating, 1913 design and non-oscillating 1913, 1914 and 1915 design electric fans, Form P construction'.
The fan did come with a guard which was an S wire guard with the GE badge in the middle. Your fan has an older incorrect GE Whiz blade and would have had a deeply pitched 3 wing blade that was polished aluminum. That fan is gonna take a lot of time and effort to get it back to normal and is essentially a parts fan.
Vintage Plugs (close up View 2) Here is a close up photo of several other type plugs used on vintage fans, heaters, lamps, toasters, etc, etc. Above is a box of NOS bakelite plugs by General Electric with the insulators also in the box.

G1 serial # is under rear bumper on frame cross member. G2 serial # is found under bumper on early models, & from 1988 under the seat. G9 serial # is found under the seat. G14, G16, G19 & G20 is just under glove box on left driver’s side.

The electric fan was invented in the 1880s in the sweltering heat of the New Orleans summer.

Over the years the design was adapted and tweaked, with the first recognisably modern electric fans being produced in the 1920s.

They’re popular retro collectors items.

Here’s how to identify one.

Brand and model

Antique Ge Fan Identification Manual

Most electric fans will have a brand name displayed prominently in the centre of the cage.

This will immediately offer a clue as to its value, as certain “prestige” names are highly sought after.

Examples include Veritys, which regularly sell for several thousand dollars.

The model's issue number will tell you exactly when it was made and give you an idea of its value.

You can check it on eBay or try the Antique Fan Collectors Association (AFCA) forums.

Size and shape

Up until the 1910s, most fans were large and unwieldy things designed for use in office spaces.

After 1910 the technology had advanced to the stage where fans were small and cheap enough to go in the home.

Materials

Prior to the first world war brass was the dominant material used in making cages.

However, manufacturers were forced to switch to steel as global reserves were co-opted for the war effort.

After the war most never switched back.

Colour

Initially fans were mainly produced in a stark black, with the notable exception of General Electric – which used green.

As fans became more widely available, designers began experimenting with different colours. So colour is a good indicator that your fan was produced from the 1930s onwards.

Keep an eye out for…

Antique Ge Fan Serial Numbers

The Emerson Silver Swan: This 1930s design classic sells around the $300 mark in good condition.

Veritys Junior Orbit: If you have one of these in good condition, you’re looking at around $2,500.

General Electric: General Electric fans sell for anything from $60 to $1,000.

Antique Ge Fan Identification

Email Directory * Events * Restoration & Repair * Reference Material * Miscellaneous Fan Related

Fan Identification

A list of over 800 Fan Manufacturers *

Fan Terminology and Definitions (Steve Cunningham)

Deskfan I.D. Reference (Dave Friedlund) *

Emerson Electric Fan Production Data (Chuck Brandt)

Fan Manufacturers' Data (Loren Haroldson) *

Emerson Junior Model History

Emerson Northwind Model History

Lawrence Erickson's Attaching Plug Collection

A list of Fan Related Publications

Marelli Characteristics (Simon Cutting)

Phase 1 Marellis (Simon Cutting)

Phase 2 Marellis (Simon Cutting)

Phase 3 Marellis (Simon Cutting)

Phase 4 Marellis (Simon Cutting)

Phase 5 Marellis (Simon Cutting)

Signal Model List by Duane Burright

Research Projects

Jim Mclaughlin's Emerson Research *
Warning: Large file - 4.6 megs!

UPDATED EMERSON SURVEY by Ron Jeter

By TypeBy SerialContact Ron with additions

(Must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Get itHERE

Signal Information by Duane Burright

Dating Older GE Fans by FORM Letter *

1894 to 1929 GE Desk Fan Survey, Don Eckerson, Jan 2007 *

1932-1963 GE Desk Fan Bill Kreiner

Fasco/Arctic Aire Date Codes *

Scans of Original Fan-Related Print Material
1936 Emerson Spare Parts Catalog Explosion Diagrams (Chuck Brandt)
Courtesy of Dr. Bill Hoehn
* Use username & password from AFCA Magazine to access 'Members Only' areas

Email Directory * Events * Restoration & Repair * Reference Material * Miscellaneous Fan Related

Home * Galleries * Forum * BST * Links