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RareVintage Westinghouse Elevator Company Ceramic Coffee Mug Blue Graphic Corporate Logo
Here is a comprehensive, detailed, historical and description for this listing.
Vintage Westinghouse Elevator Company Ceramic Coffee Mug Blue Graphic Corporate Logo
Item Overview:
Up for sale is a rare vintage corporate advertising ceramic coffee mug featuring the official logo and graphic branding of the Westinghouse Elevator Company. This classic piece of corporate memorabilia features a bright white glaze finish, a bold cobalt blue graphic wrap with the classic Westinghouse "Circle W" emblem, stylized modern typography, and a geometric ribbon/arrow directional line art design symbolizing vertical transportation.
Detailed Visual & Logo Breakdown
Front / Body Graphics:
Displays the iconic Westinghouse "Circle W" crest / logo (designed originally by legend Paul Rand).
Text reads: "Westinghouse Elevator Company" in bold, clean blue typeface.
Bold blue geometric triple-stripe ribbon design that loops smoothly up into an upward-pointing arrow motif, representing upward motion and elevator elevation.
Handle & Form: Heavy-duty, ergonomic white ceramic diner/restaurant style handle with a contoured comfort grip.
Material & Finish: Solid heavy-gauge white ceramic / stoneware construction with a glossy glaze glaze.
Historical Significance & Age (Dating the Item)
Estimated Age: Circa 1970s – 1980s.
Company History: The Westinghouse Elevator Company was originally founded in 1928 as a specialized division of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, Westinghouse was one of the premier manufacturers of high-rise elevators and escalators across North America.
Historical Collector Note: In 1989, Westinghouse sold its entire elevator and escalator division to the Schindler Group (forming Schindler Elevator Corporation). Because the Westinghouse Elevator Company ceased to exist as an independent entity in 1989, original branded corporate merchandise and promotional items like this mug are highly collectible and increasingly hard to find.
Condition
Excellent vintage pre-owned condition with no major cracks or heavy damage.
Vibrant, clear graphic decal with strong blue color saturation.
Minor light surface wear, faint scuffs, or minor glaze imperfections typical of authentic vintage ceramic coffee mugs (please review high-resolution photos for exact cosmetic detail).
Item Features & Specifications
Brand/Subject: Westinghouse Elevator Company
Category: Corporate Memorabilia / Architectural History / Vintage Advertising Mug
Color: White with Cobalt Blue Graphics
Material: Glazed Ceramic / Stoneware
Era: Vintage 1970s / 1980s
Great addition for collectors of vintage corporate advertising, elevator/industrial technology enthusiasts, or fans of mid-century industrial graphic design! Ships promptly and packaged with extreme care.
HISTORY:
The Westinghouse Elevator Company was once one of the premier vertical transportation manufacturers in the United States, renowned for its engineering innovations, high-speed traction units, and iconic skyscraper installations.
1. Origins & Formation (1927–1928)
Entry into the Market: Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company originally expanded into vertical transit in 1927 by purchasing the Kaestner & Hecht Company, a well-known Chicago-based elevator manufacturer.
Official Incorporation: By 1928, the division was formally organized as the Westinghouse Electric Elevator Company, based out of Chicago, Illinois.
Acquisition of A.B. See: In 1937, Westinghouse expanded its footprint significantly by purchasing the A. B. See Elevator Company, one of the oldest and largest independent elevator companies in the U.S. (founded in 1883).
2. Golden Era & Engineering Milestones (1930s–1970s)
Throughout the mid-20th century, Westinghouse became a dominant force alongside rival Otis Elevator Company, driving significant technological advancements:
High-Speed Skyscraper Elevators: Westinghouse established itself as a go-to provider for iconic tall buildings:
Installed high-speed express elevators in landmark structures like 30 Rockefeller Plaza (GE Building / Comcast Building) in New York City.
Fitted major installations across North America, including the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York (which featured massive 55-person shuttle elevators) and the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) in Chicago.
First Automatic Elevators: In 1945, Westinghouse developed some of the earliest reliable operator-less, fully automatic elevators, transforming how commercial buildings handled passenger traffic.
Solid-State & Microprocessor Controls: During the 1960s and 1970s, Westinghouse pioneered micro-processor controlled dispatching systems to optimize elevator wait times in high-rise towers.
3. Key Product Lines & Innovations
Geared & Gearless Traction Units: Known for heavy-duty construction and long operational life, Westinghouse gearless machines remain legendary in the trade for their durability.
Hydraulic Elevators: Popular for low-to-mid-rise commercial buildings.
Escalators: Westinghouse was a major manufacturer of escalators, featuring distinct cast-aluminum step designs and heavy-duty truss assemblies.
4. Acquisition by Schindler (1989)
By the late 1980s, Westinghouse Electric Corporation began divesting several of its major industrial and manufacturing divisions to focus on broadcasting and media (eventually purchasing CBS).
The 1989 Sale: In 1989, Westinghouse sold its entire Elevator/Escalator Division to the Schindler Group (a major Swiss elevator conglomerate).
Formation of Schindler Elevator Corp: Schindler merged its U.S. operations (which already included Haughton Elevator) with the acquired Westinghouse division, creating the Schindler Elevator Corporation.
Manufacturing Facilities: Key Westinghouse factories—such as the major elevator assembly plant in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—were absorbed and converted into core manufacturing hubs for Schindler in North America.
5. Modern Legacy & Modernization
Although new Westinghouse-branded elevators are no longer manufactured, the company's legacy remains significant in the industry:
"Schindler-Westinghouse" Field Era: For several years following the 1989 merger, many replacement parts and service components were branded as Schindler/Westinghouse.
Modernization Market: Thousands of original Westinghouse gearless traction machines and cabs are still in service today across North America due to their solid cast-iron build quality, though most have had their original relay or early electronic controller logic modernized with modern microprocessor controls.
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Bin location BIN 515
