Accession No

2247

Brief Description

plate electrostatic generator by W & S Jones, 2/4 19th C

Origin

30 Holborn; London; England

Maker

W & S Jones

Class

electrical; demonstration

Earliest Date

1825

Latest Date

1850

Inscription Date

Material

wood (mahogany and one other); glass; hide (leather); metal (brass); cloth (silk)

Dimensions

length 620mm; breadth 505mm; height 645mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Purchased from Harriet Wynter, 19/5/1976.

Inscription

‘W. & S. Jones
No. 30 Holborn
London’

Description Notes

Mahogany base supporting frame formed by two mahogany uprights and top cross-piece, supporting horizontal brass axles for 18-inch glass disc, secured to axle by wooden hemispherical clamps. Adjustable clamps top and bottom to maintain contact between disc and two pairs of leather friction pads, with two shaped pieces of woven silk. Crank and removable turning handle (securing screw missing) on one side of frame; on the other a two-armed brass conductor, mounted on to the frame by a horizontal glass rod, each arm terminating in three collector spikes and a wooden ball.

Condition

References

Events