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Antique electrostatic device

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 2:36 am
by Gav
Hi, I have had this Newton & co electrostatic disk generator for a few years now that was found in a barn conversion my company done. I need some help with finding out more info on it and a rough valuation.

I've done loads of google searches but not really found anything worth while.







Any help on a value or any links to this sort of stuff will be greatly appreciated.

Antique electrostatic device

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 7:49 am
by LarsMac
Fascinating.

I suggest putting in on eBay with a very high reserve price, then see what transpires.

Antique electrostatic device

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 9:05 am
by Wandrin
It looks like it might be a variation on a Winter Influence Machine (or Winter Static Machine) circa 1890.



You should be able to find more information by looking up that type of machine, including auction prices and museums.

Antique electrostatic device

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 9:09 am
by spot
It's an influence machine of Holtz's design - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Holtz

from the 1870s, pre-dating the more efficient Wimshurst generator. I don't imagine any were made after the 1880s.









eta: I agree entirely with Wandrin but we cross-posted.

Antique electrostatic device

Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 2:54 am
by Gav
Thank you very much

Antique electrostatic device

Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 3:37 am
by magentaflame
I would buy one of those just to say "i own one of those".

Its weird and wonderful.

Antique electrostatic device

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2016 5:08 pm
by FourPart
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