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History of Science Museum

Large Fixed-Gap Discharger With Case, by Marconi Company, London, Early 20th Century

Inventory Number 65806


Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by the Marconi Corporation.
Primary inscriptions
"MARCONI'S WIRELESS / TELEGRAPH CO. LTD. / NO. 48645 LONDON" printed on brass maker's plaque upon upper surface of case.
Object type
Radio communication
Dimensions
Height: 350mm Width: 515mm
Inventory No
65806
Accession Number
2004-9/638

Description

Large Fixed-Gap Discharger with large teak case. With ebonite?-based terminals topped by lacquered brass knobs, and black-painted connector rods upon upper surface of case. Front of case hinged at bottom to reveal interior with spark-gap. Interior of case is lead?-lined with a tray of sand-like material upon bottom surface of interior. Spark-gap consists of black ebonite? insulators attached to lacquered brass terminals connecting to steel spark-gaps. Spark gaps quite bad corroded, as are ebonite components. On display, and currently used, with Assorted Copper Busbars And Ebonite Insulators (Inv. Num. 79425).