Accession No

6490

Brief Description

Ernst Mach-pattern wave motion machine or model, by Franz Steflitschek, Austrian, c. 1890

Origin

Austria; Vienna

Maker

Steflitschek, Franz

Class

physics; demonstration

Earliest Date

1890

Latest Date

1890

Inscription Date

Material

metal (cast iron, lead, brass ); wood; thread

Dimensions

length 1600mm; height 700mm; width 450mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Purchased from Dorotheum Auction House, Palais Dorotheum, A-1010 Wien, Dorotheergasse 17, Austria, on or before 20/12/2010.

Inscription

Franz Steflitschek / MECHANIKER / WIEN VI. MILLERGASSE 8

Description Notes

Ernst Mach-pattern wave motion machine or model, by Franz Steflitschek, Austrian, c. 1890.

Cast iron frame and 11 lead balls on strings attached to top of frame by wooden pegs and bar. There are 10 additional holes in wooden bar and 5 additional pegs, suggesting that many balls are missing. A brass paddle-like attachment is mounted at the height of the balls, upon a belt that runs the length of the apparatus. This can be moved by means of a crank at one end. Presumably, by moving this paddle, the lead balls are scooped and released one by one, simulating a simple wave.

A further metal bar runs parallel to the lower part of the frame, with 19 bent metal rods attached. This can be rotated, lifting the position of the rods to just below the lead balls’ current height. A curved metal bar, painted red, can be fixed to the brass attachment. Four metal feet with levelling screws.

Incomplete (some missing balls)

References

Events