"BUILT TO LAST" was the Emerson logo, and last they did.  This original  Emerson model 71666 was manufactured between 1923 and 1932 and it is still running strong today - over 80 years later.

 

The Emerson model 71666 was designed as a residential fan.  It ran at slower speeds, provided more air movement, and featured 6 brass blades being turned by an improved efficiency, more powerful 6 pole motor.   

 

If SPECIAL and CONFIDENCE are what you are looking for in an antique electric fan restoration, then this is it.  This is truly top quality work that you can trust and it comes with a 12 month warranty on the motor.  I have fan customers that have been running their restored Emerson fans for over ten years.

 

They truly don't build them like this anymore.  The American made Emerson electric fan is probably the best built electric fan ever.

 

This Emerson electric fan is more than just a beautiful restoration - it is an example of those innovative and technological advances right out of the industrial revolution and the coming of the machine age.  You are looking at true American history preserved.

 

This fan features 12 inch diameter Parker (unique to Emerson), solid brass blades, adjustable oscillator, and 3 speeds. 

        

The blades are removed from the hub and they are processed separately.    After refinishing, they are reassembled using solid brass rivets and special tooling. 

 

The six, solid brass "Parker" blades have been roll-formed and matched to improve air flow.  They are then stroboscope aligned and dynamically balanced to provide very smooth operation.  Finally the blades are machine buffed and clear coated.  These precision blade adjustments are another special step in this restoration. 

 

The finish on this fan has been done in a very dark and deep machine green, which was a popular color in this period.  The cage badge and motor badge backgrounds have the same matching color

 

Beautiful brass cage badge features the Emerson Pyramid design and "BUILT TO LAST" logo.  This is an especially difficult badge to restore and they are seldom seen in this condition.  Background has been restored, embossed brass polished, then an overall clear coat applied for preservation. 

The motor cord and the line cord are matching black, cloth covered cords made especially for antique restorations.  These cords are so much closer to the originals.  The plug is a vintage style plug that was commonly used on this fan. 

 

Speed control has been completely rebuilt to include complete rewinding of the choke coils.  This makes the motor more compatible with todays higher line voltages and allows the fan to operate more like it was intended to.   

 

The base, motor housing, and gear housing are constructed of rugged cast iron.  A sliding switch at the base provides a choice of  "off and three different speeds".

 

Refinishing involved complete disassembly, stripping to bare metal, bead blasting, and then coating with the very best paint system available.  The gun applied finish is the same weather proof finish used on automobiles.  It consists of a catalyst activated epoxy primer/sealer, a catalyst activated urethane primer/filler, 2 coats of color base-coat, and 2 coats of catalyst activated clear-coat.  And it is stunning.

 

All of the many processes used in this restoration are too numerous to mention in this short description.  I do all of the work myself.  If you have any questions about what has been done to this fan, please email. 

 

You see my fans from every angle and they look brilliant in the images because they are brilliant.

 

Here we have a view of the oscillator gear housing, oscillator control and motor positioning controls.  Oscillation can be adjusted from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

 

Powerful 6-pole motor smoothly turns these large blades with ease.  It runs strong and smooth while only using 38 watts on the LOW setting.  Very nice distinctive speed changes at 750 RPM on LOW, 950 RPM on MEDIUM, and 1100 RPM on HIGH.

 

The patented design of this Emerson motor was not only the best of that era, but is considered the best to date.  The rotor of this 1920's motor actually rides on a shaft that acts as the bearing and is in a constant oil bath.  A new leather seal has been installed to ensure that this oil bath chamber does not leak. 

 

Oscillator gear housing has been packed with gear lube and is ready for another lifetime of operation.   

 

Beautiful solid brass Emerson motor badge provides the specs for this model.   Badge background has been restored, raised brass polished, then clear coated for preservation.  Only polished, solid brass rivets are used to anchor the badge.

 

All hardware (screws, etc) has been refinished to original by bluing (a Parkerizing process).  Those original blued screws replaced with brass screws will be packaged and included to give the new owner the option of going back all original.

Genuine wool blend felt has been chosen for the bottom cover.  Its rich, dark green color and smooth, thick texture is so much closer to the factory original.  This felt is purchased directly from a U.S. manufacturer especially for the Emerson restorations. 

 

For safe shipping, this fan will be packaged and shipped in two separate cartons.  Some assembly will be required.  Instructions and tools are included.  Technical support via email or telephone will be available and is encouraged if there are any questions or doubts.  Special motor lube is also included. 

 

This Emerson electric fan has been very carefully, meticulously, and painstakingly restored with total attention to detail and quality.    The new owner will be proud to show it and will thoroughly enjoy using it.

 

I have been collecting and restoring electric fans for many years, and I stand behind my work 100%.   Also, I am an active member of the "Antique Fan Collectors Association".

 

Fixed shipping cost of $45.00 is for FedEx Ground in the continental U.S. only.  If FedEx Ground is not available in your area or another carrier is desired, please email for shipping costs.    Packaging is done with new materials and cartons. 

 

INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS SPECIAL NOTE:  You are welcomed, but be aware that this fan motor operates on 110-120 VAC at 60 cycles.  You WILL need special electrical adapters for use in your country.  Also, because ebay does not have a system for calculating freight charges for single shipments with multiple cartons,  the required entry of international shipping charges is erroneous.  Please email before bidding for shipping costs and insurance limitations for your country.

 

 

This restored Emerson 71666 electric fan comes with a written 12 month electrical warranty on the motor and speed control.  

Please email your questions.  If you require additional images, include your email address with your request.  An image of this fan before restoration began is also available.

 

        

These original, refinished brass badges are the crowning touch to this restoration.  What detailed restoration could be complete without this critical step?