Before 1924, mills were using the traditional Dutch sail system. Steam engines and later on electro-engines became competitors of wind mills. Especially during periods with few wind, mills could not operate. In 1924, the association "de Hollandsche molen" launched a request for proposals in order to improve the sail systems. One of the improvements was the "Van Bussel" sail system, with which d'Olde Zwarver is equipped.
