Mini Vintage Fan, Cast Iron House Numbers & My Cash Register

Chris and I took a trip to the outlet stores & antique shops around Lancaster, PA a few weeks ago. On the way, we went to a barn sale where we really got to dig. Most of it was real junk, but I did find the wooden caddy and the two fans there. I paid five dollars for those three things.

Do you know what that adorable itsy bitsy baby fan was used for?

If you guessed "a car", then you are absolutely right!

It is a Trico Vacuum Fan that would clamp to a dashboard to defrost the windshield. It doesn't even have an electrical cord - it connects to the car engine using a vacuum tube that runs a little turbine in the fan.  Didn't know I was a car junkie, did you? Intake manifolds and struts make me so hot.

Kidding. I just watched this video, where I saw it in action. That man obviously loves his fan. He hauled an enormous air compressor into his living room to demonstrate an antique car fan to his YouTube audience. If that doesn't prove his love, then I don't know what possibly could. Other than some kind of video of him and the fan tube in a compromising position.

Moving on...

I bought these heavy cast iron house numbers at an antiques store in Strasburg, PA. I love their patina and the mix of black & white.

Here's the cash register that I blackberried you about a few weeks ago. Our super-duper neighbors watched the kids for a few hours while Chris and I went to an auction in Hockessin, Delaware. When we arrived, I scoped out the selection of antiques and made a mental note of what I wanted to bid on. The cash register was not listed on my mental note, but I was stunned that only one person was interested in it. I couldn't let it go for so little money, so I threw up my number. And then I won! I paid $25.

It was made in 1949 by National Cash Register, and is metal with a wood grain-painted finish. The base and drawer on the bottom are real wood. It is so heavy that even my P90x-graduate husband had trouble lifting it.

The age of the machine is based on the serial number engraved on the metal plate above the keys. This web page helped me figure that out.

It doesn't "DING!" when you hit the big black button, but the drawer does open. It even has the keys to the drawer. Nothing happens when I push the buttons, though. The numbers in the top window don't change.

Am I the only one who wants to rip all of those buttons off and make some jewelry? Or something?

Do you think I would make more money selling its parts, rather than selling it whole (and non-functioning)? I've done a little research, and it seems that the brass National Cash Registers are worth much more than the faux wood grain ones. This isn't a surprise.

It would be great on display at an antique store. But I don't have one of those. And I don't want to lug it to an antiques fair to sell. Maybe I'll try craigslist?

What would you do with it?

(And please don't say that you would make a YouTube video of the cash register and you in a compromising position. I would be so offended.)

Comments

[Thrifted Treasure]

I would KEEP it, KEEP KEEP KEEP!!! I nearly fainted when I read you're considering taking it apart, nooooooooooooo!!!

[Sybil]

I would give it to Eloise. She LOVES playing store and is dying for a cash register. How cool would that one be?!?!

[pam]

What would I do with it. Ask anyone who knows me, enjoy looking at it then store it in my garage.

[Teresa]

You really scored at the barn sale. Your mini fan is adorable!

Smiles,
Teresa

[Jessica]

I live in Dayton, Oh where NCR was started. They are in the process of relocating everything to Atlanta. Kind of an end of an era for NCR. It's possible that w/ this huge change comes an increase in value for their antique registers. Can't say for sure but you never know.

[Wendy]

I LOVE those numbers!

[Sue]

There's one at my shop going for HUGE cash. When I go in this weekend, I'll find out the price, but do NOT take it apart. Do it on eBay for "pick up only" or Craigslist for now. At least on Craigslist, you don't actually have to sell it, but can see the interest. Then again, you might need to have all these people swing by your house....

[Kim]

I'd keep it or sell it, but definitely not take it apart.

I wish that I knew how to find out about these barn sales...everyone finds good stuff!

[Susan Broyles]

I purchased one not long ago for $20. It was painted (bad paint job) pink. Locked. My dad helped me tear in to it. He found $25 and a few silver dimes lost inside. So far I've sold $14 in pieces, and still have all the flags and buttons to go. I say tear in to it!

[Michelle Gartner]

I have no idea what I would do with it- sometimes I am all for using vintage stuff in crafts and other times I feel guilty when I start tearing stuff up. I am not sure that you will get as much money from parts because it has numbers as opposed to a typewriter keys which have letters and great symbols. Have fun whatever you choose.

[Darla]

Those fans are stunning, and the car fan what a find such an amazing piece of history.

Darla

[casadulcehogar.blogspot.com]

It´s me again... how do I follow you??-!!! I don´t find the "followers" option.

[The Crazy Suburban Mom]

I think my sister had, or has, a cash register like that. she had a thing for buttons as a kid and when this old old store we used to go to remodeled they gave it to her...we had it for ages...she just played with it. and it did ding!

[Chris]

I like the fans and I love the cash register. I would not take it apart. What a find.

[Lisa]

Hello. I just stumbled on your blog, and I live in Spring City, PA. How funny is that? I wanted to ask you if you attend both Elverson and Kimberton antiques shoes int his area? Are they excellent? I have to get a sitter to attend either one, and I thought if they were good, you would be the one to know!

[myredboots]

your cash register story rings so familiar!
a few years ago, i was at an auction and couldn't believe that no one was bidding on a great old cash register and so i got it for a steal. pleased as punch i was until i tried to lug it out to the car. luckily my husband was there to help.
and i too was stumped as what to do with it. it's now sitting in my parents basement.
i'm inspired by your idea of using the parts!

[Niesz Vintage Home]

Great treasures!
The tiny fan and house numbers are so cute.
I was thinking the same as you with removing the keys of the cash register and repurposing its parts for other projects.

Kimberly

[Loretta Artful Yogi]

Cool. i'd use the numbers ont eh cash register fro jewelry. Then use teh drawer. Seems mean to tear it apart, but hey, you are the rescuer.