several matching american industrial depression-era appleton "aireel" brackets salvaged from a. finkl & sons foundry

urban remains recently acquired several matching american industrial depression-era wall-mount oversized air hose reels or "aireels" salvaged from the notable chicago-based a. finkl & sons foundry undergoing demolition. nearly twenty air hose reels were found in various outbuildings scattered around the foundry complex.

the wall-mount "aireel" was designed and fabricated by the appleton electric company, chicago, il. the fully functional reel is comprised of two perforated reinforced aluminum discs with deeply embossed lettering. one of the two discs is stationary or fixed while the other can be removed.

the disc-shaped housing is supported by a durable cast iron wall-mount with extended arm. the centrally located threaded hub is comprised of yellow brass. the hose reels are finished in either orange or the original red paint. refinished (i.e., bare metal) reels will be available shortly as more are removed and cleaned.

the depression era hose reels have a great simple and utilitarian design with strength and size making for a bold statement. the visually striking hose reel was first introduced in 1932 by appleton electric.