A scarce brass clockwork desk fan by The Zephyr Company, Paris, c.1900.
The fan is of wonderful art nouveau form with a weighted base boasting foliate design beneath a ridged column, upon which sits the four-bladed fan in the form of a windmill with further foliate design beneath and two cherub like characters blowing wind. 'The Zephyr, Paris' is stamped to the rear around the key.
The fan is an ingenious invention by Mr Gabriel Kaiser and uses a standard clock mechanism in a unique way. The fan is operated by winding the key to rear and the speed of the fan is adjusted by twisting the knob to the top of the windmill. The fan runs for approximately 10 minutes when wound. Both the key and the speed adjuster are in working order.
There is some wear and losses commensurate with age, namely the brass would likely have originally been nickel-plated, the key to the rear is later and the cap which would have sat to the front of the fan is absent. The fan is, however, in working order and in a generally attractive condition with a lovely patina throughout.
Dimensions
Height including windmill blades: 40cm
Height body only: 32cm
Width (across top of body): 7.5cm
Diameter of base: 9.5cm
Weight: 1.25 kg
Delivery
UK Mainland: Free delivery.
International Delivery: Please contact us for a no obligation delivery quote.