Antique Scientific Instruments

Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar

Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar
Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar

Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar

Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar. A vintage/antique Wimshurst electrostatic generator in vintage condition.

It mostly works, but some adjustment will be required (for example the drive wheels for the two discs rotate too freely and will need a shim or something to connect them to contra-rotating rods). It is all very low technology, so mostly easy to work on - it is not rocket technology! Please note that the item may be incomplete - difficult to tell.

One part is not shown in the photos which is the wishbone brush for the rear disc - it has since been located and re-attached. It is difficult to date this machine. There is no makers name on it. Some of the screws appear to be hand made from the 19th century, but they may have been second-hand when the item was constructed. Personally I would date this to between 1895 and 1914 (my guess).

It is possible that it is older, but probably not later. The discs are probably made from shellac (again, my guess).

Shellac would have been the only suitable mouldable material that did not conduct electricity before the advent of bakelite, and bakelite was not really commercially available until the 1920s - if it is shellac, then this item would have been quite expensive to build for the period. Again, if it is shellac, it seems to assist with dating the item. The generator is connected to two Leyden jars. _gsrx_vers_837 GS 7.0.15 (837).

The item "Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar" is in sale since Saturday, December 22, 2018. This item is in the category "Collectables\Scientific Collectables\Other Scientific Collectables". The seller is "riverside_retro" and is located in Guildford. This item can be shipped to all countries in continental Asia, United States, European Union member countries, Canada, Australia.

  • Type: Scientific Instruments
  • Period: 1901 to 1950
  • Modified Item: No
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown


Antique Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator Machine With 2x Leyden Jar