Light bulb in series would give you a way to 'dim' it.
Typical small fan draws 60W so a 60W bulb would be approximately half voltage.
Adjust wattage as needed to get 120V across the fan and then you'll know
if it's meant for 120VAC. It's quite possible that it's meant for 115V.

http://www.videointernational.com/standards.cfm says
 France  SECAM (Vertical) L 115 V/230 V 50 Hz

R

Stuart Meier wrote:
>
> I have received as a present an antique table-type room fan. It runs, but after
> 10 minutes it overheats and seizes. It came from France, claims to be GE design.
> No design plate or voltage markings unfortunately.
>
> I speculate that the motor was built for a lower voltage than 220 ac. If I had a
> heavy duty variac, I'd try different voltages, but as I haven't, I'm wondering
> where to start
>
> Has anyone any tips to determine design voltage?
>
> The motor (a cylinder 5" long 4.5" diameter) forms the chassis of the fan, so
> replacing it isn't a simple solution.
>
> Stuart

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