spangled tube
Date1775-1825
Inventory Number1997-1-0472c
ClassificationSpangled tube
Subject
Maker
English
?
Cultural Region
Dimensions24.5 × 2.3 × 2.3 cm (9 5/8 × 7/8 × 7/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionHollow glass tube has tin-foil circles glued to the outside in a heliacal pattern. The foil circles are close together but not touching. At the top is a brass collar and ball conductor. At the bottom of the tube is another brass collar into which is fixed a threaded bolt. (The bolt is missing on this example.)
Signedunsigned
FunctionWhen the tube approaches the prime conductor of an electrical machine, sparks jump between the gaps of tin foil, making a scintillating effect. These spangled tubes are sometimes called electric serpents or fulminating tubes.
English
Date: circa 1800
Accessories: Two insulated charge transfer wands.
Object number: 0014
See also/See also
