homemade Leyden jar?
Date: 1850-1900
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0508
Classification: Electrical Apparatus
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
35.6 x 6.2 cm (14 x 2 7/16 in.)
Description:
A 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
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.
Curatorial RemarksSimilar to 1997-1-0507 and 1997-1-0509.