Vtg Ruhmkorff Induction Coil - - SEE VIDEO Welch Scientific Antique Apparatus
Item History & Price
INDUCTION COIL
a.k.a. Ruhmkorff Coil / Spark CoilSee the Video: https://youtu.be/RSclypXiFXk
Manufactured by Electro-Technic Products - Chicago, Ill.
Distributed by Welch Scientific Company - Skokie, Ill.
[ PROVENANCE... ]
This came up at auction as part of a private collection of similar pieces, all dating to the 1950s and '60s. The only provenance offered was that they originated at an educational facility, where they were par...t of the "physics lab." One item in the collection still had its vintage property tag from "Goodland Schools, " in Goodland, Kansas. That school system included (in the 1960s) a high school and -- if I'm not mistaken -- also encompassed the "Northwest Kansas Area Vocational Technical School, " which was established in that same town in 1964. So, back in the Cold War days, this piece quite likely was part of the lab of either the high school or the vo-tech in Goodland, KS.
[ FEATURES AND DETAILS... ]- Dimensions: Approx. 14" x 7" footprint; 9" tall- Weighs: Approx. 14 lbs.(Sizeable and heavy -- Hence the shipping costs)
- As you see, I had to open the bottom, which was not an easy feat, since it was put together with finishing nails, not screws. (I unscrewed one of the terminals too far, causing the nut to fall off inside the unit; that's why I had to open it.) But, it was actually a good thing. Not only do you get a photo of the inside ... I also discovered the manufacturer's name (Electro-Technic Products) and date (July 1968 or 1969?) stamped inside.
- It's marked with an (inventory?) number "102" on the underside, as well as on the paper label. The label also says, "OK w/96." I'm not sure, but I suspect that meant it could be used in conjunction with inventory # "96" -- which is a very interesting c.1930s hand-crank generator that I also have up for sale from the same lot. Check it out in my eBay store, or search eBay for "miller cowan scientific."
- Please see the video (link above) for a demonstration of the item you are buying. It generates impressive sparks when hooked up to the correct power source -- as stamped on the bottom of your unit "6-12V." For best results, I used a 12V car battery for the video.
[ CONDITION... ]
- Beautiful vintage condition -- from a non-smoking environment.- There is age to it, including some light oxidation on the tips of the needles -- but no signs of abuse, moisture damage, or having been dropped.- As you see, the previous owners (school) attached paper labels to indicate what the controls are for.
- It has what appears to be a dry-crack in the wood on the back. (See photo.)- One of the needles has its ferrule partly off. With a little work you could probably seat it back in place.The above is my good-faith attempt to disclose all noteworthy issues. Keep in mind that vintage/antique items always show their age. (Don't we all!?) It would be impossible to mention every tiny detail, so please expect that there will be something about this item (or lot) that's not perfect and may need touch-up.
PLEASE SUPERSIZE ALL PHOTOS, AND ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING/BUYING. I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER.
[ ALL ABOUT SHIPPING... ]DON'T OVERPAY FOR SHIPPING: U.S. purchasers, please be sure to check all shipping options I'm offering. Shipping costs can vary dramatically depending on your Zip code, so choose the one that best suits your needs. I never inflate shipping to make hidden profits. If you believe the shipping is too high, please contact me (with Zip code) and I'll be glad to double-check it for you!
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: By default, international shipping is through eBay's Global Shipping Program, which means the shipping rates are set by eBay (outside my control). BUT ... If you live in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, or U.K., message me for possible options other than Global Shipping Program. (These countries have more flexible Priority Post options, but it depends on the size and value of the item you're purchasing.)COMBINED SHIPPING: I will gladly combine shipping if you contact me before paying (for a combined invoice) ... and provided the items can travel safely in the same box.
WHAT, NOTHING TO COMBINE!? Hurry over to my eBay store where you'll find more top-quality antiques/collectibles/artwork/dolls: "Saddle Mountain Treasures" (Opens in a separate window/tab.)
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