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Tracing the G.E. Vortalex, Standard, and Quiet Fan models from 1932 to
1963 (Compiled by Bill Kreiner)
The Quiet Fan (sometimes known as Quiet Blade Fan), with overlapping wings,
was introduced in 1932, and continued through 1941. The Standard was
introduced in 1937, and continued until well into the 1960s. The Vortalex
(also called Super-Quiet Fan), with its unique trailing tip wings, was
designed by W. K. Skolfield, and was introduced in the Spring of 1938. It
finally ceased production in 1963. This chronology will cover these three
models only. All fans are AC and oscillate, unless otherwise noted. The
information in this document is as correct and complete as it can be at this
time.
1932 1933:
The original Quiet Fan had one speed only and had a 3-wing polished aluminum
blade. The grille had S shaped bars. This fans base, cage, and motor
housing were black.
8 Quiet Fan desk model Form AN, Cat. # 55x165 (some were suffixed with B)
1934 1935:
A 12 Quiet Fan was introduced, as a companion to the 8 model. This version
had a 4-wing blade. The 8 was available in black or cream, whereas the 12
came in black normally, but a few were painted in Hunter green. Blades
continued to be polished aluminum through the end of production.
Forms Codes AQ, AQ1, AS1 and (1935 only) AR
8 Quiet Fan desk model Cat. # 55x165 (some were suffixed with B)
12 Quiet Fan desk model Cat. # 49x491
1936 1937:
The Quiet Fans acquired a new streamlined grille sometime during 1936 (early
1936 fans retained the older grille), and a 10 (3-wing) desk version became
available, as did 10 and 12 pedestal versions. Pedestal versions were a
bronze color with ivory-colored blades.
In 1937, a new 2-speed 12 Standard model was introduced, with slender,
paddle-shaped wings. This model was, throughout its production, which ended
in 1950, equipped with a cardboard base, to which felt had been glued.
Form Codes AS, AS1
8 Quiet Fan desk model Cat. # 55x165 (some suffixed with B)
10 Quiet Fan desk model Cat. # 49x723
10 Quiet Fan pedestal model Cat. # ??
12 Quiet Fan pedestal model Cat. # 49x716
12 Quiet Fan desk model Cat. #s 49x491, 49x492, 49x494, 49x495, 49x496
(all AC); 49x493, 49x497 (both DC)
12 Standard desk model (1937 only) Cat. # 49x929
1938 -- 1941:
For 1938, the Standard and Quiet Fan ranges were carried over without
physical changes. New Vortalex models with unique blade design were
introduced in Spring. These came in 16, 12, 10, and 9 (actually 8.5)
sizes, and there were also 24 pedestal, counter, and ceiling-mounted
industrial fans. The household desk models were normally black with aluminum
blades, but 10 and 9 models were available in cream, with very early 9
models being dark green and having brass badges. The household pedestal
models were finished in a bronze color and had ivory-colored blades. The
1938 16 pedestal was fixed-height only. Only the 16 Vortalex models were
made with the 4-wing blade during 1938 and 1939, with smaller models having
3-wing blades. 16 Vortalex fans had capacitor motors and rotary switches.
12 Vortalex fans had sliding switches. The 24 industrial models had 3-wing
blades, and were finished in chrome, and had black blades by the early
1940s. It appears that a few of the very early ones were a bronze color,
blade included. This pre-war generation 24 industrial was a 2-speed fan
with no choke and no motor cover, and had its switch on the bracket. (There
apparently was also a chrome 30 pedestal at some point, but neither
production-year data nor Cat. # is available.)
For 1939, the basic 1938 lineup was carried over, with the following changes
and additions: the 16 Vortalex became available as an adjustable-height
pedestal, and the 12 Vortalex pedestal acquired the adjustable-height
feature. The 12 Standard model received a new front-bearing housing sans
grease cup. Form designations disappeared at the close of this year.
For 1940, Vortalex 16 and 12 models acquired carrying handles. The 12
Vortalex model acquired a 4-wing blade. The fans were still black with
aluminum blades in most cases, but a few 16 and 12 Vortalex desk fans had
black blades. All 16 and 12 G. E. oscillators acquired a new oscillator
crank disk with 3 connections, to allow 90 degrees, 65 degrees, or 45
degrees of oscillation. A 10 Standard (with red badge and stamped,
one-piece blade) was introduced, and most Standards were finished in black
from now through 1948. New FM numbering system was introduced on some
models.
For 1941, Vortalex models were carried over from 1940. The Standard line was
expanded again to include a 16 model (with aluminum badge, like the
ordinary 12 model), a 10 non-oscillating model, an 8 non-oscillating
model (with stamped blade), and a 12 1941-only (possibly early 1942 as
well) oddball, which had a red badge, a unique blade, and a bullet-shaped
motor housing. This Hunter-like fan was the only 12 Standard listed in the
1941 catalog, although the 1940-type was apparently still in production. The
Quiet Fans ceased production at the close of this year (or possibly early in
1942).
All 1938 models had Form Code AT, and most 1939 models had Form Code AU (see
below). 1940 and 1941 fans no longer had Form Codes.
8 Standard fixed desk model (1941 only) Cat. # FM8S11
10 Standard desk model (1940-1941 only) Cat. # 78x829
10 Standard fixed desk model (1941 only) Cat. # FM10S11
12 Standard desk model (1938-1941) Cat. # 49x929
12 Standard desk model (1941 only, special model) Cat. # FM12S1
16 Standard desk model (1941 only) Cat. # 78x233
24 Vortalex floor model (1938-1941) Cat. #s 78x861A (AC), 78x863A (DC)
24 Vortalex counter model (1938-1941) Cat. #s 78x861B (AC), 78x863B (DC)
24 Vortalex ceiling model (1938-1941) Cat. #s 78x867 (AC), 78x869 (DC)
16 Vortalex desk model (1938-1941) Cat. # 49x936 (AC), 78x202 (DC)
16 Vortalex pedestal model (1939-1941) Cat. # 78x236 (Form AU-2 for 1939
only)
12 Vortalex desk model (1938-1939 only) 78x191*
12 Vortalex desk model (1940 only) Cat. # 49x491 (AC), 78x596 (DC)
12 Vortalex desk model (1941 only) Cat. #78x593 (AC), 78x596 (DC)
12 Vortalex pedestal model (1938 only) Cat. # 78x198 (fixed height, this
year only)
12 Vortalex pedestal model (1939 only) Cat. # 78x255 (Form BC-1,
adjustable height)
12 Vortalex pedestal model (1940-1941 only) Cat. #FM12M1
10 Vortalex desk model (1938-1939 only) Cat. # 78x181*
10 Vortalex desk model (1940-1941 only) Cat. #78x806 (AC), 78x809 (DC)
9 Vortalex desk model (1938-1941) Cat. # 49x942** (AC), 49x945 (DC)
9 Vortalex fixed desk model (1938-1941) Cat. #49x950 (AC), 78x172 (DC)
9
Vortalex pedestal model (production ceased before 1941) Cat. #78xM86
* It is unknown whether these are for AC or DC models. These are the only
numbers known for the 1938-1939 12 and 10 Vortalex fans at this point.
**Some with this Cat. # are suffixed with B, the significance of which is
currently unknown.
9 Quiet Fan desk model (1938-1941) Cat. # 55x165
10 Quiet Fan desk model (1938-1941) Cat. # 49x723
12 Quiet Fan desk model (1938-1941) Cat. # 49x491
1942 1945:
Although 1942 Vortalex prototypes were produced and photographed that had
the 5x3 grilles and grease cups of the 1938-1941 models, it appears that the
production models, scarce as they were, had 3x3 grilles. Data on these
wartime models is somewhat sketchy, and should be taken with a grain of
salt. The desk models seem to have had brownish-bronze painted cages, tan
blades, and forest-green bases. It is uncertain if the Vortalex range and
the smaller Standards were produced only in 1942, or if they remained in
very limited production during the entire war period; the latter is likely,
since fans had become a near necessity. The Standard 16 definitely remained
in production during the conflict, primarily for government, military,
hospital, and factory use.
It is uncertain if DC models were made after 1941. If any were made, they
are scarce, and at the moment, there is no data on them. The fans listed in
this and subsequent sections, therefore, are AC models.
16 Standard desk model Cat. # FE16S1
12 Standard desk model Cat. # FE12S1
10 Standard desk model Cat. # FE10S1
10 Standard fixed desk model Cat. # FM10S11
8 Standard fixed desk model Cat. # FE8S1
24 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM24M
16 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM16V
16 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM16M
12 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM12V
12
Vortalex military desk model, finished in black with chrome guard Cat. #
78x874
12 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM12M1
10 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM10V
9 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM9V (no data on existence of fixed model)
1946 1948:
Early postwar Vortalex desk and pedestal models appear to have been painted
in the brownish-bronze color only (with blades being tan). Both Vortalex and
Standard models were carried over, with Cat. #s changing slightly. During
1947, the Vortalex models acquired a wing nut to adjust angle. Grease cup
was deleted from the gear box, although this may have been the case on the
1942 through 1945 production models. The 24 pedestal of this time period
was a 3-speed fan with a choke coil, motor cover, and switch on the motor
cover. Circa 1948, the Standard 16 acquired a red badge. At least some 10
Standards were finished in brown, and had tan blades.
16 Standard desk model Cat. # FE16S2
12 Standard desk model Cat. # FE12S2, FM12S2, FM12S21
10 Standard desk model Cat. # FM10S41, FM10S41B
10 Standard fixed desk model Cat. # ??
8 Standard fixed desk model Cat. # FM8S31
24 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM24M1
16 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM16V1
16 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM16M1
12 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM12V1
12 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM12M11
10 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM10V1
9 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM9V1 (no data on existence of fixed model)
1949:
Both Vortalex and Standard models were painted in a color known as Gray
Mist (actually a metallic turquoise), and Vortalex models acquired red
badges. There is no data regarding the production of a Vortalex 9 fan or
Standard 8 fan. It appears the Standard 10 fan was equipped with a rubber
hub beginning this year. There does not appear to have been a 16 pedestal.
The Vortalex 12 and 10 models acquired the cardboard base used on all
Standards since 1937. Early-1949 16 Vortalex fans used screw-on plastic
switches, but during the year they were replaced by the snap-in switches of
the 12 models. The 24 pedestal continued, and was finished in Gray Mist
as all the rest of the 1949 Vortalex and Standard fans were.
16 Standard desk model Cat. # FM16S1
12 Standard desk model Cat. # FM12S41
10 Standard desk model Cat. # FM10S61
10 Standard fixed desk model Cat. # ??
24 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM24M(?)*
16 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM16V21
12 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM12V41
12 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM12M41
10 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM10V41
*Suffix unknown at this point.
1950:
Vortalex models acquired a new chrome concentric-circle grille. There was no
longer a carrying handle attached to the 12 model. A new motor replaced the
capacitor type (for the 16 Vortalex) and the housing was redesigned to
accommodate three long screws to hold the front plate and grille on. Some
16 Vortalex fans made with sliding switch. It does not appear the 12
pedestal model was in production anymore. 1950 was the last year for the 16
Standard, and the current 12 Standard. The 24 pedestal continued
unchanged, but this was its last year.
16 Standard desk model Cat. # FM16S2
12 Standard desk model Cat. # FM12S43
10 Standard desk model Cat. # FM10S63
10 Standard fixed desk model Cat. # FM10NS1
24 Vortalex pedestal model Cat. # FM24M(?)*
16 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM16V23
16 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM16V25 (sliding switch version)
12 Vortalex desk model Cat. # FM12V43
*Suffix unknown at this point.
1951 onwards:
A new line of stamped-blade 12 Standard fans was introduced that resembled
the 10 version. 1951-1959 12 models were coded F11S106 and F11S125, and
1960-1963 (at least -- late ones were painted in blue spruce) 12 models
were coded F13S125 and F15S125. Presumably all of these were oscillators.
Cat. #s for fixed ones are unknown at this point.10 1951-1959 models were
coded F12S107, F13S107, and F14S107 (oscillating) and F11A103 (fixed), and
1960-1963 fans were suffixed with S107 (first part of number unknown). A 12
Standard pedestal model appears to have been produced, but the Cat. # is
currently unknown (perhaps F12M125). Owing to the plethora of variations of
these G.E. fans, there are certainly more Cat. #s than the ones listed
above. These will be added as data is acquired.
The Vortalex retained the chrome grille but was otherwise painted Frost Gray
(through 1961), and had a red badge (through 1959). The Vortalex went
through a few changes, which will be detailed below. Only 16 Vortalex desk
fans were produced from 1952 onwards.
Vortalex fans:
1951:
16 model; Cat. # F11V163. Very few of the 12 model produced (Cat. #
unknown)
1952:
16 model only; Cat. # F11V163; handle permanently attached to motor
1953 1955:
Cat. # F12V163; larger power cord to motor
1956 1957:
Cat. # F12V163; handle moved to top of grille
1958 1959:
Cat. # F12V164; hub size increased, causing blade diameter to increase to
16.5, although wing-size remained the same
1960 1961:
Cat. # F12V164; green badge used
1962 1963:
Cat. # F13V164; green badge continued, but fans now painted in Blue Spruce
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