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Various Properties
Lot 154

An 'Electric Egg' discharge gap,
English, second half 19th century,

15 September 2021, 14:00 BST
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £637.50 inc. premium

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An 'Electric Egg' discharge gap, English, second half 19th century,

The hand-blown glass 'egg' of ovoid form, on freestanding brass vacuum pump base with tap, the egg surmounted by a brass cap with knurled flange, the base unsigned,
18 3/4in (47.5cm) high

Footnotes

The striking egg-shaped form of the present example was replicated by numerous manufacturers throughout the 19th century, including William Ladd, Newton & Co, and Harvey & Peak. An electrical discharge is produced within the 'egg' once the air has been pumped out by a vacuum, and a high voltage connected to the terminal ring. The residual gas between the two rods is ignited under such conditions, and the distance between each rod can be adjusted manually.

Similar contemporary examples can be found in the Science Museum, London (Object No.1935-327), and the Royal Institution.

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