Description: This plaque was rescued from an elevator in the Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago, IL. An American industrial Otis elevator controller motor plaque made from copper-plated cast iron. This long and narrow, single-sided plaque is marked with the number A3102 on the back. The plaque has two mounting holes at the bottom for easy attachment to a flat surface. It measures 18” wide, 2 1/2” tall, and 1 1/8” deep at the bottom, weighing in at approximately 3 3/4 pounds. Otis Elevator Company History:The Otis Elevator Company is one of the most iconic names in the history of vertical transportation. Founded in 1853 by Elisha Otis in Yonkers, New York, the company is widely credited with revolutionizing the elevator industry and making tall buildings practical and safe. Key Historical Milestones: 1. Invention of the Safety Elevator (1852): • Before Otis, elevators were considered dangerous due to the risk of the hoisting rope breaking, which could cause the platform to plummet. Elisha Otis invented the safety elevator in 1852, which featured a revolutionary safety brake that would automatically engage if the hoisting rope broke. This innovation drastically improved the safety of elevators and paved the way for the widespread adoption of elevator systems. 2. World’s First Public Elevator Demonstration (1854): • Elisha Otis famously demonstrated his safety elevator at the 1854 New York World’s Fair, held in the Crystal Palace. During the demonstration, he ordered the hoisting rope to be cut, and as the crowd watched in suspense, the platform remained suspended in the air due to the safety brake. This dramatic demonstration garnered significant attention and established Otis as a leader in elevator safety. 3. Growth and Expansion (Late 19th Century): • Following the success of the safety elevator, Otis Elevator Company grew rapidly, supplying elevators to buildings around the world. The advent of skyscrapers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further fueled the demand for reliable elevators, and Otis became synonymous with vertical transportation in urban environments. 4. Innovations and Developments: • Over the years, Otis introduced numerous technological advancements, including the gearless traction elevator in 1903, which allowed for smoother and faster elevator rides in taller buildings. They also pioneered the double-deck elevator and the express elevator systems, further enhancing the efficiency of high-rise buildings. 5. Iconic Installations: • Otis elevators have been installed in some of the world’s most iconic structures, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Empire State Building in New York, and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world as of 2024. 6. Modern Era: • Today, Otis remains a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry. The company continues to innovate with technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. In 2020, Otis became an independent, publicly traded company after separating from United Technologies Corporation, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Legacy: Otis’s contributions to the development of the modern cityscape are immense. The company’s innovations made skyscrapers practical, changed urban architecture, and redefined city living by enabling the construction of taller, more efficient buildings. The Otis brand has become synonymous with safety and reliability in the elevator industry, and its products continue to transport millions of people every day around the globe. please view all pictures for more information and to judge condition for yourself. exhibits wear and tear wtih age and use. please feel free to contact us with any pertinent questions pertaining to the item. Shipping: Carefully packaged and shipped to ensure it arrives in excellent condition. International shipping available. Place Your Bid Now to own this rare, historical find from the heart of Chicago!
Price: 200 USD
Location: Chicago, Illinois
End Time: 2024-10-07T19:07:17.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Year: Vintage
Signed: Yes
Theme: Buildings
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States