Authentic, vintage heavy-cast brass mechanical inspection mirror manufactured by the Otis Elevator Company. This specialized industrial artifact features the classic serif manufacturer logo clearly stamped directly into the solid brass backing plate. Built with an articulating support arm and a ball-and-socket swivel joint, the mirror disc easily adjusts to different viewing angles. The assembly terminates at a flat, rectangular mounting foot featuring pre-drilled holes for direct surface installation. A highly collectible piece of transit history, perfect for industrial salvage collectors, architecture enthusiasts, or unique desktop decor.
Brass Housing: Structurally sound, heavy metal assembly with smooth, operational ball joint movement. Shows an untouched, natural aged patina with visible surface oxidation spots and darkening consistent with age and industrial use. No structural cracks or deep gouges present.
Mirror Glass: Fully intact, tight, and complete mirror insert. The face exhibits a tight cluster of fine, superficial hairline scratches located primarily in the central and upper-left quadrants from historic cleaning. Minor white spotting and silvering degradation (desilvered edges) are present along the bottom and outer perimeter rim. Central reflection remains sharp and entirely functional.
Measures a large 4 1/2″ diameter and nice weight nice at hair over 1/2 pound. Pretty clean with average wear for age and use with its stains, paint splatter, scuffs, scratches, nice Patina and still looks great. Cool historic find. Adjusting arm moves front back and side to side, Very tight so dont just grab the mirror part and yank to adjust, Has set screw and large nut pictured for maybe more adjustments or for loosening and tightening for mounting. Added little wd40.
Guessing made way before 2005. Cool Old Elevator Control Panel!!
The booming elevator market
In 1852 Elisha Otis invented the safety elevator, which automatically comes to a halt if the hoisting rope breaks. After a demonstration at the 1853 New York World’s Fair, the elevator industry established credibility.
Otis elevator in Glasgow, Scotland, imported from the U.S. in 1856 for Gardner’s Warehouse, the oldest cast-iron fronted building in the British Isles.
The Otis Elevator Company was founded in Yonkers, New York, in 1853 by Elisha Otis. When Elisha died in 1861, his sons Charles and Norton formed a partnership and continued the business. During the American Civil War, their elevators were in high demand due to the shipment of war materials. Businesses throughout the United States purchased them. In 1864, with the partnership of J.M. Alvord, the company became known as Otis Brothers & Co. In 1867, Otis opened a factory in Yonkers, New York, the city where the company was founded.
In 1925, the world’s first fully automatic elevator, Collective Control, was introduced. In 1931, the company installed the world’s first double-deck elevator in New York City.
Otis opened a factory in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1965.
Fayette S. Dunn became president of the company in 1964, succeeding the late Percy Douglas.
