1889 Edison Pressure Indicator for Dynamos -- Very Rare

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1889 Edison Pressure Indicator for Dynamos -- Very Rare

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Sold Date: 01/21/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Tools

Beautiful Edison Pressure Indicator, ca. 1889 -1890. To the best of my knowledge, it is one of only a handful extant. As you can see in the photographs, this exotic antique is in very good condition throughout, with its original prisms (top and front) still in tact and the original meter arm still complete and able to swing freely. Mahogany cabinet is in good condition, with its original finish. Some shrinkage cracks (a function of age) and typical screw hole wear, but the meter displays beautifully and exudes an unmistakable air of historical importance. Meter paper is jagged on the sides, but "Edison General" is still readable on the far left, "Indicator" is still readable below that, and "Electric" is still readable on the right. Cast iron base is oxidized a bit on both front and back, but it should clean up nicely should you desire to do that.

According to a detailed description in F.B. Badt's 1892 New Dynamo Tenders' Handbook , this device was used at Edison General's electric stations to regulate their "electromotive" output. A bit of additional research indicates that this particular example might have been used at the Pearl Street Station in New York, but I cannot be certain of that. I will include a photocopy of Badt's description, along with his operating instructions and an illustration of the Pressure Indicator that accompanies both (see photo). Buyer prepays and includes shipping. Overseas bidders are of course welcome, but I cannot understate the value of the antique for customs purposes.