Collector's Guide to Electric Fans: Identification and Values [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by John M. Witt (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
This book is a guide of general information concerning desk fans. It does not cover ceiling or non-mechanical fans. It is designed to establish some parameters within the field of desk fan collecting. Fan type, size of blades, date, company, and collector value are given for each fan shown.

Product Description
The interest in old electric fans has skyrocketed in the last five years. In 1994, an 1887 Crocker/Curtis fan brought $12,000 at an auction; several fans have since sold for over $15,000! Antiques dealers, auctioneers, and collectors from all over the country have been unable to find information on these fans - there has been no price guide available. Plus there are many reproductions on the market that are worthless and confusing to the collector. This book is the answer to the great demand for an accurate and complete resource for dating and pricing electric fans. Each of the 330 fans in this well-researched book is dated, sized, and given a thorough range of prices based on six categories of condition. Plus there are dozens of intriguing illustrations, catalog ads, and historical information for various companies. 2001 values. AUTHORBIO: John Witt is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up loving old electric fans. He began collecting when he was ten years old. He casually collected fans until around the age of 25 and became a member of the American Fan Collectors Association. In 1991 he published his first book on electric desk fans and has written several articles on the subject for several antique journals. He is a librarian by trade and a graduate of four universities. REVIEW: This book is a guide of general information concerning desk fans. It does not cover ceiling or non-mechanical fans. It is designed to establish some parameters within the field of desk fan collecting. Fan type, size of blades, date, company, and collector value are given for each fan shown.

Product Details

• Paperback: 191 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; illustrated edition edition (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891457437
• ISBN-13: 978-0891457435
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #881,096 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected, January 28, 2003

By	Richard A Harlacher (Rocklin, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Don't buy this book expecting to learn all about fan collecting. There is virtually no introductory information other than how old fans are graded. Lot's of detail about certain brands (Westinghouse, Emerson and GE) but not much on other manufacturers. Also, level of detail very inconsistent - almost seems like pages are missing. Little black and white photos also leave a lot to be desired. Probably a good reference to have, but didn't really fit my need.

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book, June 24, 2008

By	Sam Andersen "swas" (Kansas City,Mo.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was alittle dissapointed in that it lacked some fans I had, but over all its a good referance

4.0 out of 5 stars VERY VERY USEFUL FOR THE COLLECTOR!, December 30, 2002

By	David R Blane "David R Blane" - See all my reviews

This is a very good book, you will never find all you need in one place, but this is a good start -- Black and White pictures -- no big deal cuz most old fans were all black anyway!

Highly recommended