This authentic early 20th-century antique heavy cast iron half-moon elevator floor indicator features six detachable vintage-style brass alphanumeric characters reading B, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and missing number’s 3,5,7. Indicator is magnetic with magnets shown next to #4.
The semicircular iron framework has a dark, naturally oxidized charcoal patina and showcases a recessed channel track, a central mechanical axle hub, and decorative square floral rosettes on both lower corners. The reverse side retains its original vertical reinforcement ribs and structural tracking grooves fitted with threaded brass machine screws, copper washers, and hex nuts designed to hold the individual digits securely in position. The entire unit is structurally intact with no fractures, breaks, or structural damage to the heavy cast frame, though it does not include the original backing plate or the rotating indicator arrow.
Cast Iron and magnetic, numbers are brass. This piece came with no numbers but I had some beauties I bought while back and added what numbers I could. Numbers on hand tight so you can adjust to your liking. Measures 16″ wide at bottom, 10″ tall dead center, 3/4″ thick. Nice weight at 6 1/2 pounds. Found some fun reading on this cool dial at very bottom of page!
Guessing made 1910’s-1920’s. Cool Old Elevator Floor Indicator!!
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.
