Circa 1890's Emerson "Meston" Series AA 12" 100 Volt 60 Cycle Desk Fan

Circa 1890's Emerson "Meston" 12" 100 Volt 60 Cycle Desk fan with optional "closed guard".  By 1898 Emerson had termed this model "Our Old Reliable" marking its superior service record since being introduced in 1892.  Another interesting phrase used to describe this model was "A First-class well-made and handsome machine" all of which still stands true 130 years later.  This is a very rare opportunity to acquire one of the most highly sought after early antique electric fans.  Emerson being a highly collectible and appreciated brand among collectors, this fan is one of their earliest designs.  From a lifelong fan collector, we are very pleased to offer such a wonderful example which has been tucked away in their home for the past 30 plus years.  When testing its operation, we found it to be operational on one speed.  It did require a very minor touch of the blade to get it started, this could be due to a dirty contact within the motor.  Restoration was done some years ago and the fan still looks beautiful.  We removed the front cover to see why the fan is only operating on one speed and found the contact ring and switch arm are missing, this is not uncommon with these early Mestons.  The switch design did not lend itself to the longevity of the motor.  The coils and internal wiring have been refreshed; I cannot guarantee they were rewound but appear to have been reinsulated if not rewound.  New wiring coming out of each coil makes me think they have been wound but cannot guarantee.   12" 6 Blade, 21 Wire "Closed Guard", and Cast Brass struts are of newer production.  Two power terminal screws are missing which is not uncommon either.  Original motor tag appears to have been silver soldered in places before being polished.  Beautiful early fan that seldom becomes available.