Factory Tile Roto-Sphere
Photograph taken by Debra Jane Seltzer around 2008-2011 of the Factory Tile Roto-Sphere at https://www.roadarch.com/sca/roto.html#tile
Name/Title
Factory Tile Roto-SphereEntry/Object ID
2026.0011.0001Description
A sphere that rotates in three directions with metal spikes surrounding the entire sphere that each have neon bordering tubes.Use
An add to a sign to enhance its marketability.Context
The Roto-Sphere was invented in 1959 by Warren D. Milks. He cited his inspiration as a Christmas ornament he saw on a commercial as a child, but the public as a whole has dubbed the signs 'Sputnik' inspired. There were around 234 of these produced by Milks and sent across primarily the United States, but a few were sent abroad (see map made by Debra Jane Seltzer). The American Sign Museum's Roto-Sphere came from Factory Tile in South Bend, Indiana--see research notes for further information on Factory Tile. This Roto-Sphere stopped spinning around 1979 and was deemed too expensive to repair by its owners. It was removed from that location in 2023. It underwent a complete restoration throughout 2024-2026 by Alan Whitaker. These signs are few and far between and their maintenance is often frequent and expensive. From the motor to the sixteen spiked neon arms, the signs frequently are subject to breaking down.Collection
Permanent CollectionCategory
Metal — Neon-illuminated, Signs/Displays
Signs/Displays