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Antique American Portable Faradic Medical Battery in Quartersawn Oak Case

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Start price: $40

Estimated price: $100 - $250

Buyer's Premium:

Description

This antique portable medical battery, also known as a Faradic induction coil, is an example of late 19th to early 20th-century electrotherapy equipment. The instrument is mounted within a rectangular quartersawn oak box featuring a hinged lid, a nickel-plated brass swing handle, and a decorative latch. The internal components include a black fabric-wrapped induction coil, a sliding intensity adjustment mechanism, and a three-position toggle switch. A nickel-plated plate is engraved with a numerical scale from 10 to 100. The design and construction are characteristic of American scientific instrument makers of the period, such as J.H. Bunnell and Co. or the Voltamp Electric Manufacturing Co. The set includes one hand-held electrode with a nickel-plated cylinder and a black-painted turned wood handle, as well as two fabric-insulated lead wires in green and maroon. A metal spring clip is attached to the interior lid for accessory storage.


Condition report:

The item is in good vintage condition with wear appropriate for its age. The oak case shows minor surface scratches and finish loss along the edges. The nickel plating on the metal components and handle exhibits oxidation and light pitting. One hand electrode appears to be missing from the original set. Mechanically, the intensity slider and toggle switch function smoothly. The device is being sold as a historical artifact; electrical functionality has not been tested and should be evaluated by a professional before any attempt at operation.