spangled tube
Date1850-1900
Inventory Number1998-1-1736c
ClassificationSpangled tube
Subject
Maker
American
?
Maker
English
?
Cultural Region
Dimensions3.7 × 98 × 3.7 cm (1 7/16 × 38 9/16 × 1 7/16 in.)
blue board box: 15.3 × 110 × 26.3 cm (6 × 43 5/16 × 10 3/8 in.)
blue board box: 15.3 × 110 × 26.3 cm (6 × 43 5/16 × 10 3/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionClear glass with foil dots attached to inside of glass creating a spiral pattern. One end is fitted with a brass fixture that ends in a threaded hole. The other end is fitted with a cap and ball finial. One piece of crumpled foil is loose inside.
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.
For more information, go to the following website.
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See also/See also
