Monday 6th July - Antiques, Jewellery, Militaria, Coins, Vinyl, Toys, Ceramics, Collectables
Monday 6th July - Antiques, Jewellery, Militaria, Coins, Vinyl, Toys, Ceramics, Collectables
A mid-to-late 19th-century medical instrument known as an Improved Magneto-Electric Machine, designed for electrotherapy. The device is housed in a polished mahogany case with dovetail construction and a brass keyhole surround. The interior lid retains its original printed paper instruction label titled THE IMPROVED MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINE. Centred on the label is a red-bordered diamond retailer mark which reads FROM J. GARTH, Dispensing and Family Chemist, APOTHECARIES’ HALL, 119, North Road, and 4, Ann-st. PRESTON.
The internal mechanism features a hand-cranked generator consisting of a large horseshoe magnet finished in blue paint and a pair of rotating bobbins covered in blue velvet. These are driven by a geared system with an ornate brass drive wheel, operated by an external brass crank handle with a turned wooden grip. The case is fitted with two brass output terminals on the side. The machine is complete with its pair of cylindrical brass hand electrodes and fabric-covered connecting cords. The lower portion of the label provides detailed instructions for use, specifying applications for ailments such as toothache, tic-doloreux, and neuralgia, as well as maintenance advice.
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