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If you're an uncompromising collector of antique technology, make sure to check out all my listings after you look at this one. I don't think you'll find a better, broader or more balanced assortment of technical antiques anywhere -- hundreds of listings each year, almost all of them featuring eye-popping "gee whiz" gadgetry in exceptional original condition.And don't forget, you can clickthis linkto quickly add and then save me to your favorite seller list and will automatically send you updates when I putsimilar new listings online.
Here's a remarkable and quite beautiful laboratory spark gap for an early radio transmitter.
The gap, which appears to date to the early teens, is in excellent condition, including the ceramic base, which is undamaged. The electrodes are still good, and -- as you can see in the video I've posted above -- the gap still sparks when high voltage is applied.
What makes this instrument truly unique, however, is its housing -- a 4" long cylindrical glass envelope sealed at both ends with brass caps. The gap is controlled by a threaded arm with a gutta percha knob.
The apparatus retains all of its original hardware, including the original binding post nuts.
Measures approximately 7" x 3" x 2". Shipping weight will be about 4 lb.
I'm one of 's best known, most highly regarded sellers of technical antiques, and I specialize in early radios and radio-related items.I've been sellingand shippingthem for more than 25 years. When you purchase an item from me, you can rest assured that it will arrive safely because it's been carefully packed (byme, not by some well-intentioned but nonetheless confounded, doe-eyed teenager working at the UPS store who wouldn't know a radio from a rocket ship), Sure, you can probably get a lower price from Joe and Janet Barn-Find, but when your "bargain" arrives broken, and without any hint of how you might be able to put it back together, you'll realize that you really do get exactly what you pay for
