Make sure to check out all of my sales after you\'ve looked at this one. I\'m listing an excellent assortment of mechanical, technological and musical antiques, and I suspect that there will be something to interest just about everybody.
Here\'s an excellent, all-original & working Thomas Hall Magneto Electric Machine that dates to the 1890\'s and was marketed as a cure for just about everything -- jaundice, dyspepsia, tremors, fatigue, insomnia, etc. Unlike faradic batteries, magneto machines did not require any type of electrical input in order to produce a shock. Rather, they utilized a hand cranked pair of coils mounted in close proximity to a horseshoe magnet and (adjacent to the horseshoe magnet) a second attenuating bar magnet.
Unlike the vast majority of antique magneto electric machines that are \"found in the wild,\" this one retains its original cabinet key, which still works. This magneto also still generates a shock. When the crank is turned, the drive pulley spins the coils, and an electrical charge is produced in the metal handles. If you happen to be holding both handles at the same time, you\'ll get a firsthand taste of ancient electrotherapy, which you may or may not enjoy.
Cosmetic condition of the apparatus is very good throughout, particularly given its age and utility, with a perfect original lid label, clean original paint on the magnet and excellent, undamaged original red velvet covering the coils. Metal handles are in good shape, as are the original connecting wires. There\'s some fraying on the fabric sheathing, but the wires are full-length and they\'re electrically sound. Cabinet is in good shape, with wear consistent with its age.
Overall, a really nice old magneto. Please review pictures and judge for yourself.
Cabinet, closed, measures approximately 12\" x 5\" x 5\". Shipping weight, properly packaged, will be about 15 lb. That\'s about it. I\'ll pack everything carefully and make sure it arrives safely. sale participants with no prior response should contact me before placing a offer.