Water-driven Fan
Production date
1886-1907
Country
USA
State/Province
Indiana
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Object detail
Description
Water-driven fan, consisting of a cast copper alloy body (with copper alloy fan blades) attached to a black enamelled cast iron base with two screws. The fan features a brass inlet tap attached to the lefthand side of the body of the fan with a brass outlet underneath the base. The body of the fan has a raised geometric design on both the front and the back. The brass and copper alloy parts were originally nickel plated. The base features four raised feet with screw holes.
Classification
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT Cooling fan
Production date
1886-1907
Production place
Measurements
L180 x W380 x H385mm
Media/Materials description
Cast iron, copper, brass
Signature/Marks
SPECIALTY MFG CO. \ PAT APLD FOR \ INDIANPOLIS IND
PAT AUG 11 1896
PAT AUG 11 1896
History and use
This fan is driven by a small bucket turbine activated by water pressure from the jet on the side. Significantly, the patent illustration of the ‘specialty MFG co’ model indicates that there is no belt drive but rather they are turbine driven by a pressurized stream of water.
Water power was once widely used in industry, until replaced by steam. Today it is an important source for the generation of electricity in localities suitable for hydro stations, such as in the Snowy Mountains.
Small fans like this one were distributed from Indiana Fan Company over the world, and were used in many homes in Queensland. This fan was donated to the museum in 1966.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Water power was once widely used in industry, until replaced by steam. Today it is an important source for the generation of electricity in localities suitable for hydro stations, such as in the Snowy Mountains.
Small fans like this one were distributed from Indiana Fan Company over the world, and were used in many homes in Queensland. This fan was donated to the museum in 1966.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Registration number
H22716