The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

For those who are familiar with early Edison electric motors I'm curious why this one sold for more than $14K. Have a look...

https://tinyurl.com/pmr3nfps

Doug

It looks very early...

Total guess on my part, but nothing about that motor suggests "Edison" to me. Still, SUPER cool! I kind of get that the seller had no idea what he had. I think that's fun. You used to see it a lot more of that in the early days of eBay. Today, everybody is somewhat "savvy". (Except people who put reproducers on the wrong side of the turntable, )

One would think there should be some kind of identifier cast into the frame, but if someone paid that much for it, it would seem they must've understood its origin. I'd like to know more because by the 1880-90s (perhaps earlier?) foundries and firms producing electric motors and components were popping up all over the place.

Cheers,
Fran

This is indeed an Edison Slo (sic) Speed Motor. It was made in the Edison General Electric era of late 1889-early 1892. This example is missing an arched metal band that the name plate mounted to.

In the world of early Edison electrical equipment this is actually considered a later piece as far as I’m concerned.

These have always sold very well but not sure why. They are nice “utility motors” but not overly historically important in my opinion.

https://www.thehenryford.org/collection ... =gs-400826

From Henry Ford Collection:

This motor was used for a very early fan that is very highly coveted by collectors.

Thanks everyone for your expertise; fascinating fan Rene!

Fran