Vintage wall unit manufacturer?

[Speedbag]

I recently received and email from a gentleman wondering about his recently purchased "vintage" wall unit, and he was wondering if I knew any history of this brand, make or style.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I just purchased a speed bag platform that must be quite old. I wonder if you could possibly help me identify the manufacturer and approx. age? The construction is cast iron, with a maple platform. The height adjustment is made via a hand wheel at the bottom of the unit. The letters \"N M Co\" or \"M N Co\" are cast into the unit. The unit is massive and has to weigh over 250 lbs. The platform is about 4’ in thick.

any ideas?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I have been unable to find nothing about it, so maybe one of our historians knows something about the history of this. It is and unusual board contructed of numerous pieces of wood, and some ornate iron work on the brackets.

[metaldad]

250lbs? Glad that's not going on my wall lol! What's the average weight of a wall mounted unit?

[Dutchman]

I've seen pics of this model before, and if memory serves me right this is the institutional model that was built by the Nissen Manufacturing Co. They are now known for building gymnasium equipment for high schools and colleges (trampolines, parallel bars, pommel horses, balence beams, etc). Well scratch that, Nissen didn't enter into the production of equipment untill the 1960's and this definitely dates from no later than the 1920's judging from the casting work on it. Time for more research.

[clark-kentski]

Thats a nice piece,a real keeper

[ukspeedbag]

Originally Posted by clark-kentski

Thats a nice piece,a real keeper

I agree! That's a cool set-up, the adjuster's great!

[Speedbag]

Originally Posted by Dutchman

I've seen pics of this model before, and if memory serves me right this is the institutional model that was built by the Nissen Manufacturing Co. They are now known for building gymnasium equipment for high schools and colleges (trampolines, parallel bars, pommel horses, balence beams, etc). This has been long discontinued from their production.

I figured you would know a bit about this. You're historical knowledge is amazing. I'll pass this on. thanks.

[Dutchman]

Better check my addedum to my post, Alan, it's not what I originally thought. I know I've seen this style somewhere. I'm working on it.

[Speedbag]

Originally Posted by Dutchman

Better check my addedum to my post, Alan, it's not what I originally thought. I know I've seen this style somewhere. I'm working on it.

I also thought this was early 1900-1920's because of the ornate detail in the cast or iron work in later equipment. And the board is a very interesting layered construction, indicating a lot of workmanship and attention to detail, born of a day when rapid mass production of items such as large, thick table tops was not done.

[metaldad]

Couldn't find out any info on that platform but I found this while clicking around, It's a Victor speed bag platform from the 1940's

[Speedbag]

Originally Posted by metaldad

Couldn't find out any info on that platform but I found this while clicking around, It's a Victor speed bag platform from the 1940's

Metaldad, I gotta tell ya - THAT is something I have never seen or heard of before. Kind of reminds me of the Mcfadden speed bag.

Where did you find this? Do you have any information on it? I would love to include it on my speed bag history page.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DUH: a web search found this Victor speed bag circa 1940:

just have to know what you're looking for....

talk about a "whopper", look at this 16 in leather bag looks like it's been beat to death. (my kinda bag..)