ANTIQUE SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
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ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTS

Grenet Battery Jar.
Circa 1900. Dichromate battery used as a source of energy for lighting, galvanoplasty, motors, phonographs, etc.  This is the 1/4 liter model. The height is 14.5 cm (bottle), 17 cm (zinc inserted), 21.5 cm (zinc completely withdrawn). Bottle diameter is 8 cm. Weight 360 G. The central rod with the zinc electrode was raised out of the solution when not in use in order to preserve the electrodes and extend the life of the battery.

Another view.

Another view.

Another view.

Wall Telephone Glass Battery Jar.
In good condition with intact inserts. Glass has slight green tint. A few minor chips on jar lip.

Large Induction Coil In Mahogany Box.
A nice early high voltage - spark - induction coil (medical?), housed in a handsome mahogany case, with battery compartment below and lift off mahogany cover. The induction coil is housed in a handsome brass tube about 5 inches in length and 2 to 3 inches across, mounted between two turned mahogany ends. All the fittings, terminals, switch and interrupter mechanism are brass. 

Close-Up

Box With Cover

Large Demonstration Induction Coil by C. F. Palmer.
This demonstration induction coil by the C. F. Palmer Company, is a relatively rare piece of early twentieth century electrical apparatus. The inductive coupling between the primary and secondary, and hence the length of the spark, can be varied by moving the outer coil sideways. The scale on the side measures to 50 Cm. and the make and break contact in the primary circuit is on the left-hand side of the apparatus. The Induction Coil was made in England by the firm of Charles Fielding Palmer, Effra Road, London S.W. 2.

Full Extension

Secondary Coil

Maker's Mark 

Primary Coil 

End View

A Small "Medical" Coil.
Attractive little shocking coil on a polished mahogany base 6" X 4". The core can be withdrawn to vary the output (there is a calibrated scale). The brass handles slide into one another for storage. Condition is excellent.

Another view.

Closer view.

Ruhmkorff Coil.
This is a nice medium size model of the Ruhmkorff coil which was made in France around 1900. There is no maker's mark is very much like a G. Pericaud product. This coil is in good condition except for one non-original screw terminal on the coil top. The switch has an ivory insulator. The coil weighs 1.5 pounds, and the base is 7.5" X 4".

Close-Up

Electrical Spark Resonator.
This item was used in conjunction with a Ruhmkorff coil in electrical experiments. It dates to about 1890. There are two hinged brass arms with wooden handles, each 11.5 cm.  The size of the mahogany base is 13.5 cm X 7 cm. The maker's mark on the bottom of the base reads: "RADIGUET & FILS opticiens PARIS". It weighs 160 gr. and both arms are fully adjustable.  The item is in good original condition.

Close-up

Glass Electroscope
This flask style electroscope was used to detect the presence of electricity. There is some gold leaf foil still attached to the metal bar that extends into the glass flask. The neck of the flask has a serious chip on one side (see photos), so the price is reduced to reflect the flaw.

Chip Close-up.

Gold leaf.