Ercole Marelli Milano mod. 0.400/P – Rare Oversized Italian Industrial Workbench Fan – 1950s – Electric fan - Cast iron

Ercole Marelli mod. 0.400/P – Rare Italian Industrial Workbench Fan – 1950s

Magnificent and imposing Ercole Marelli industrial fan, model O.400/P, an authentic example of Italy’s outstanding 20th-century electromechanical heritage, distinguished by its extraordinary dimensions, beautiful original burgundy Bakelite nose cone and superbly preserved historical patina.**

Featuring a large metal safety cage measuring approximately 45 cm in diameter, an overall height of 50 cm and an impressive weight of 8 kg, this remarkable example has an exceptionally striking presence.

This is not an ordinary vintage household fan, but a **substantial industrial workbench fan**, originally designed to be securely bolted to a work surface.

Its impressive proportions can also be appreciated in the photograph showing the fan being held by a person, providing an immediate sense of its considerable size and professional industrial character.

## History and Manufacture

Manufactured by the historic **Ercole Marelli & C. S.p.A.**, a company founded in Milan in 1891 and a major contributor to the development of the Italian electromechanical industry, this fan is believed to date from the 1950s.

Ercole Marelli was one of Italy’s leading manufacturers of electric motors, fans and electromechanical equipment, renowned for its robust construction, quality materials and engineering excellence.

The O.400/P model is an interesting example of professional equipment from the post-war period, when industrial appliances were designed for stability, durability and long service life.

Its distinctive industrial configuration, heavy base designed for secure mounting and large metal blades clearly distinguish it from conventional domestic fans of the same era.

Design and Original Features

Magnificent Original Burgundy Bakelite Nose Cone

One of the most attractive features of this fan is its beautiful original central nose cone, manufactured from deep burgundy Bakelitewith a distinctive glossy finish.

The nose cone features a decorative metal strip bearing the famous *Marelli* name in elegant italic lettering.

It remains exceptionally well preserved, with no obvious cracks or breakages, creating a striking contrast with the silver-coloured metal blades and ivory-painted body.

Three Large Original Metal Blades

The propeller consists of three substantial, beautifully shaped metal blades featuring an aerodynamic profile and an attractive silver-coloured finish.

The blades retain their authentic vintage appearance, showing natural signs of age and minor surface wear consistent with their history.

Large Industrial Safety Cage

The impressive metal safety cage, approximately 45 cm in diameter, features an elegant geometric construction with concentric rings and curved wire supports.

Its considerable size contributes significantly to the fan’s extraordinary visual impact.

Motor Housing and Heavy Workbench Base

The cylindrical motor housing and substantial metal base retain their characteristic original ivory/cream paintwork.

The base is designed to be secured to a workbench using bolts, confirming the fan’s original industrial purpose.

Its total weight of approximately 8 kg demonstrates the substantial quality and strength of its construction.

Original Controls and Mechanisms

The fan retains its original speed selector marked **MIN. – MAX. – 0**, the adjustable motor head assembly and the rear control for the oscillation mechanism.

Excellent Mechanical Condition Observed During Manual Inspection

A particularly noteworthy feature of this example is the excellent freedom of movement of its principal mechanical components.**

The large three-blade propeller **rotates freely and smoothly by hand, without noticeable obstruction, sticking or abnormal resistance**.

The motor head and adjustable assembly can also be moved smoothly through their various positions without difficulty.

These manual checks provide encouraging indications regarding the mechanical preservation of the appliance, with no obvious signs of seized components in the parts examined.

The principal visible mechanical components appear to be present and well preserved.

Although no electrical or powered functional test has been performed, the free rotation of the propeller and smooth movement of the adjustable head are positive indications for a possible future restoration to working condition.**

The full functionality of the motor and oscillation mechanism must nevertheless be verified by a qualified technician.

Beautiful Original Patina and Preservation

Considering its age, this fan is presented in particularly attractive cosmetic condition, retaining a magnificent original patina that has been carefully preserved.**

The entire appliance has been cleaned with great care, using a conservative approach that respects its original materials and historical surfaces.

No complete repainting or invasive cosmetic restoration has been carried out.

The original ivory paintwork retains an attractive sheen, accompanied by minor signs of use, light abrasions and natural traces of age.

The glossy burgundy Bakelite nose cone is particularly appealing, while the metal blades and large protective cage retain their authentic period appearance.

Both the original Ercole Marelli identification plate on the base and the Marelli branding on the front remain present.

The historical patina has deliberately been preserved**, as it represents an essential part of the fan’s authenticity, character and collectible appeal.

Original Electrical Components and Functional Condition

The base of the fan has been opened to allow visual inspection and careful cleaning of its internal electrical components.

As documented in the photographs, the copper windings, original speed-control assembly, insulating terminal blocks and principal period electrical connections remain present.

The visible components appear well preserved, with no obvious signs of burning on the photographed windings.

For safety reasons, only two electrical connections have deliberately been disconnected by cutting the wires at the terminal block:

- The external electrical power supply cable.
- The cable running from the same terminal block towards the motor.

Both cables have been left with their cut ends clearly visible at the terminal block**, allowing a qualified technician to identify them and assess the possibility of restoring the original connections.

No other internal electrical components have been intentionally removed.

This conservation-minded decision has helped preserve the historical configuration of the appliance, avoiding unnecessary replacement of original components before professional technical assessment.

The fan has not undergone electrical testing or powered functional testing, also taking into consideration the original historical operating voltage indicated on its identification plate.

The appliance is offered as a historical collector’s item. It is not electrically operational in its present condition and requires professional rewiring, inspection and servicing before any possible use.**

The operation of the motor, speed selector and oscillation mechanism is not guaranteed.

Dimensions and Technical Specifications

Manufacturer:** Ercole Marelli & C. S.p.A.
- Model: O.400/P
- Country of origin: Italy
- Period: Presumably 1950s
- Type: Large industrial workbench fan
- Overall height: Approximately 50 cm
- Safety cage diameter: Approximately 45 cm
- Total weight: Approximately 8 kg
- Materials: Painted metal, steel, metal blades and original Bakelite
- Colours: Ivory/cream, burgundy and silver
- Speed selector:Original MIN. – MAX. – 0 control
- Mounting: Base designed for bolt fixing
- Cosmetic condition: Very good considering its age, with carefully preserved original patina
- Mechanical condition: Freely rotating propeller and adjustable head, with no obstructions detected during manual inspection
- Electrical condition:** Untested, two connections cut at the terminal block; professional inspection and rewiring required

An Authentic Piece of Italian Industrial Heritage

This Ercole Marelli O.400/P is far more than an ordinary vintage fan.

It is an imposing example of Italian industrial engineering and technical design, reflecting the outstanding manufacturing tradition of post-war Italy.

Its professional workbench configuration, unusually large dimensions, substantial 8 kg weight, magnificent burgundy Bakelite nose cone, beautifully preserved original patina and excellent manual movement of its principal mechanical components give this example a truly distinctive character.

A highly appealing collector’s piece for enthusiasts of historical electromechanical equipment, vintage industrial design, architects, interior designers and admirers of authentic industrial style.

An exceptional decorative statement for industrial lofts, architectural studios, design showrooms, galleries, industrial-chic interiors and private collections.

A magnificent vintage Italian object of commanding presence, bringing together more than seventy years of history, engineering, original materials and authentic industrial design in an extraordinary example of 20th-century manufacturing heritage.

The numerous photographs form an integral part of this description and carefully document the fan’s condition, internal components and actual proportions.

The item will be packed with particular care, with special attention to protecting the large metal safety cage, blades and heavy base.