homemade Leyden jar?

Date1850-1900

Inventory Number1997-1-0508

ClassificationElectrical Apparatus

Subject

Maker American ?

Cultural Region

Dimensions35.6 x 6.2 cm (14 x 2 7/16 in.)

Material

DescriptionA tall, narrow, cylindrical glass jar with a brass rod extending along its inner axis held in place by a cork at the bottom of the jar and another cork near the top of the jar through which the brass rod goes. The rod does not go through the cork at the bottom: the cork does have a perforation, but it is currently filled with a thin, pencil-like piece of wood with a string or cable tied to it. The surface of the glass right outside the bottom cork is covered in metal sheet.

Signedunsigned

Curatorial RemarksSimilar to 1997-1-0507 and 1997-1-0509.

FunctionThe exact function is uncertain. It might be a Leyden jar because of its metal coating outside, but inside the cork has no visible metal parts which would be necessary for a Leyden jar.