06 May remarkable gantry crane sign and oversized complete open-ended switchboard salvaged from finkl foundry

last night i finished editing images of two incredible artifacts carefully removed the a. finkl & sons foundry. both depression-era artifacts join the ever-growing number of antique american industrial objects and furniture being salvaged from this notable sprawling chicago industrial complex.

before being taken down and brought back to the shop, the porcelain enameled depression era cobalt blue “northern crane” sign was still tightly affixed to the gargantuan riveted joint steel hoist that moved slowly along opposed rails. the condition is remarkable, considering age.

the incredibly heavy slate-backed switchboard with centrally located three pole solid copper knife switch and three 500 amp brass-capped fuses bigger than my fist, was salvaged from the same foundry building housing the crane. after a light cleaning, the oversized electrical contraption looks stunning in the shop.

there remains a seemingly endless amount of salvageable artifacts waiting to be removed and documented before the entire complex is reduced to rubble. urban remains was successful in working with heneghan wrecking to gain access to the site and salvage anything with distinction, repurpose potential, or historic importance.