Officine Elettromeccaniche Aghetto Torino - Hurricane Electric fan - Celluloid, Elastic rubber

Hurricane fan produced by Officine Elettromeccaniche Aghetto of Turin, active from the 1920s to the mid-1950s. The name is inspired, also by its aircraft-like shapes reminiscent of the British Hawker Hurricane, the iconic World War II aircraft. From its aerodynamic form to blades that imitate the shape of an airplane propeller, it presents in excellent condition despite its age. Hurricane – O.E. Aghetto Torino – Bakelite cream-white body, ca. 1945–1955.

The main feature of the Hurricane model is the soft blades system in cellulose acetate that Aghetto patented. This system was used on many of their models; this exemplar preserves almost intact the Bakelite body, the ogive-shaped head in anodized aluminum and the blades. Double speed, fully functional, it is a collectible object appreciated by Bakelite, Art Deco, and Streamline collectors.

Technical specifications
• Manufacturer: Officine Elettromeccaniche Aghetto, Turin, Italy
• Model: Hurricane
• Period: circa 1945–1955
• Material: Bakelite body; ogive head in gold-colored anodized aluminum
• Original flexible blades in green cellulose acetate
• Two operating speeds
• Voltage: 220 V
• Height: about 14 cm
• Width: about 13 cm
• Depth: about 18 cm
• Weight: about 660 g

The Bakelite body has a small crack at the base. The original blades are complete and fully flexible, showing slight cosmic-age and use signs. Overall, the condition is consistent with careful use and with age.