Zero Electric Table Fan — c. 1950s
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
A Zero electric table fan in the mid century American industrial idiom, with a streamlined aqua blue enamel base, polished aluminum blades and a metal safety cage.
The red enamel ZERO badge sits at the center of the blade hub. The housing is steel under an enamel finish, the base turquoise blue, and the whole form is compact and aerodynamic.
The design carries the optimism and craftsmanship of postwar America, drawing on both Art Deco and Space Age principles.
History & Provenance
Manufactured by the Bersted Manufacturing Company of the United States in the 1950s. The Zero fan line was produced under the Eskimo and Bersted brands, an American maker celebrated for affordable, reliable home appliances.
The series emerged in an era when color and design became part of domestic identity. Where earlier utility fans were plain, the Zero range introduced bright finishes and chrome details into everyday household equipment.
These fans mark the dawn of mid century modern household innovation, marrying industrial durability with sculptural appeal.
Product Details
| Maker | Bersted Manufacturing Co., USA |
| Brand | Zero |
| Era | c. 1950s |
| Form | Electric table fan with aerodynamic cage |
| Materials | Steel housing with enamel finish, aluminum blades, metal safety cage |
| Color | Turquoise blue base with red enamel badge |
| Marks | Red ZERO center badge |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition. Light wear consistent with age. Motor functional, working order to be confirmed |
| Dimensions | Approximately 10 to 12 in. high by 8 in. wide |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
A statement accessory in industrial, retro or mid century modern interiors, at home on a desk, a console or a shelf.
It sits well alongside patinated metals, Bakelite and vintage typewriters. The bold turquoise enamel reads as a striking accent against neutral or dark backdrops, while the chrome and red detailing carry nostalgic character.
A collectible object that bridges form and function, and one that captures the playful ingenuity of 1950s design.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
You'll Also Love
Browse Primitives →
