Antique electrostatic device

Gav · Post by **Gav** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 2:36 am

Hi, I have had this Newton & co electrostatic disk generator for a few years now that was found in a barn conversion my company done. I need some help with finding out more info on it and a rough valuation.

I've done loads of google searches but not really found anything worth while.

Any help on a value or any links to this sort of stuff will be greatly appreciated.

Post by **LarsMac** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 7:49 am

Fascinating.

I suggest putting in on eBay with a very high reserve price, then see what transpires.

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 9:05 am

It looks like it might be a variation on a Winter Influence Machine (or Winter Static Machine) circa 1890.

You should be able to find more information by looking up that type of machine, including auction prices and museums.

Post by **spot** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 9:09 am

It's an influence machine of Holtz's design - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Holtz

from the 1870s, pre-dating the more efficient Wimshurst generator. I don't imagine any were made after the 1880s.

eta: I agree entirely with Wandrin but we cross-posted.

Gav · Post by **Gav** » Tue Nov 01, 2016 2:54 am

Thank you very much

magentaflame · Post by **magentaflame** » Tue Nov 01, 2016 3:37 am

I would buy one of those just to say "i own one of those".

Its weird and wonderful.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Fri Nov 04, 2016 5:08 pm

Lawrence Bragg - 1961 CHRISTMAS LECTURES | The Royal Institution: Science Lives Here