5.01-13: Ilg 1940 Compressor

Description:

ILG, SINGE CYLINDER, FHP, REFRIGERATION COMPRESSOR, 1940: A remarkable, truly innovative, piece of refrigeration engineering of the early mid/ 20th century, from its cast aluminium body to its eccentric mechanism, valve design, and distinctive green, high gloss enamel finish, it was meant to raise eyebrows. Making use of the new materials and engineering know-how of the times, it is a reminder of the diversity and immense inventiveness of this period of rapid growth, all part of the rich heritage of HVACR’s engineering applications, on which the industry now builds.

Group:

5.01 Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Compressors - Household

Make:

ILG

Manufacturer:

ILG Electric Ventilating Co, Chicogo, Ill, see note

Model:

RG-2

Serial No.:

Body casting no’s 130-RC; 5887

Size:

8x10x13’h

Weight:

23 lbs

Circa:

1940

Rating:

Exhibit, education, and research quality, illustrating a remarkable, truly innovative, piece of refrigeration engineering of the early mid 20th century, an historic marker of the rich heritage of HVACR’s engineering applications.

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Provenance:

From York County (York Region) Ontario, once a rich agricultural hinterlands, attracting early settlement in the last years of the 18th century. Located on the north slopes of the Oak Ridges Moraine, within 20 miles of Toronto, the County would also attract early ex-urban development, to be come a wealthy market place for the emerging household and consumer technologies of the early and mid 20th century.

This artifact was discovered in the 1950’s in the used stock of T. H. Oliver, Refrigeration and Electric Sales and Service, Aurora, Ontario, an early worker in the field of agricultural, industrial and consumer technology.

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Donor:

G. Leslie Oliver, The T. H. Oliver HVACR Collection

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Notes:

This compressor seems certain to be a product of the ILG Manufacturing Co, although Hull, in his comprehensive text House Hold Refrigeration , 1933 makes no mention of the company’s contribution to the field of domestic, refrigeration compressor manufacturing. Hull focuses instead on its ventilation and air conditioning products. This compressor likely post-dates Hull’s work, representing a subsequent business venture by ILG.

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