C. 1930s Miller - Cowan Dynamo Electric Machine VTG - Antique Scientific Apparatus
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:640150 | Modified Item: No |
| Provenance: Ownership History Not Available | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
Vintage c.1930s
“Miller-Cowan Dynamo Electric Machine”LABORATORY HAND-CRANKGENERATOR & MORETeaching / Training Model
Manufactured by Central Scientific Company (CENCO) - Chicago, Ill.
[ PROVENANCE... ]
This came up at auction as part of a private collection of similar pieces, all dating to the 1960s and earlier. The only provenance offered was that they originated at an educational facility, where they were part of the "physics lab."&nbs...p; One item in the collection still had its vintage property tag from "Goodland Schools, " in Goodland, Kansas. That school system included (in the 1960s) a high school and -- if I'm not mistaken -- also encompassed the "Northwest Kansas Area Vocational Technical School, " which was established in that same town in 1964. So, back in the Cold War days, this piece quite likely was part of the lab of either the high school or the vo-tech in Goodland, KS.
[ FEATURES AND DETAILS... ]
This model of generator was listed in the 1929 Central Scientific Company catalogue as the "Miller-Cowan Dynamo Electric Machine, for study of both alternating and direct currents. This excellent lecture table piece effectively serves to demonstrate: Alternating Currents, Direct Currents, Use of Commutator, Effect of Speed on Rotation, Dynamos -- separately and Self-Excited, Alternators, Direct Current Generators, Dynamos and Motors -- Series -- Shunt -- Compound ... $19.50"
- Dimensions: Approx. 13" x 9" footprint; 9" tall
- Weighs: Approx. 13 lbs.
(Sizeable and heavy -- Hence the shipping costs)- It is hand-numbered (probably by the school) with "96." I also sold (already) a Ruhmkorff Induction Coil from the same collection, which had a hand-written note on it saying "OK w/96." So, I believe the two pieces were used together in the physics lab.
- To my knowledge, this unit is complete -- no missing parts. (Even the two fragile brass contact reeds are still in place.) However, I am an antiques dealer (not an engineer), so I'll confess I haven't the knowledge or equipment to properly test it. If there is ANYTHING you would like me to check for you, please message me through eBay BEFORE you bid or purchase, and I'll be glad to assist. Otherwise, please understand that you are purchasing this UNTESTED and AS-IS, being sold for its collector value, not functionality. No returns accepted.
[ CONDITION... ]
- Beautiful antique/vintage condition -- from a non-smoking environment.- No signs of abuse, moisture damage, or having been dropped.
- It has some numbers marked on it -- probably the inventory number from the school lab. There is also something lightly scratched into the wood. (See final photo.)- AS-IS, UNTESTED.The above is my good-faith attempt to disclose all noteworthy issues. Keep in mind that vintage/antique items always show their age. (Don't we all!?) It would be impossible to mention every tiny detail, so please expect that there will be something about this item (or lot) that's not perfect and may need touch-up.
PLEASE SUPERSIZE ALL PHOTOS, AND ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING/BUYING. I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER.
[ ALL ABOUT SHIPPING... ]DON'T OVERPAY FOR SHIPPING: U.S. purchasers, please be sure to check all shipping options I'm offering. Shipping costs can vary dramatically depending on your Zip code, so choose the one that best suits your needs. I never inflate shipping to make hidden profits. If you believe the shipping is too high, please contact me (with Zip code) and I'll be glad to double-check it for you!
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: By default, international shipping is through eBay's Global Shipping Program, which means the shipping rates are set by eBay (outside my control). BUT ... If you live in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, or U.K., message me for possible options other than Global Shipping Program. (These countries have more flexible Priority Post options, but it depends on the size and value of the item you're purchasing.)COMBINED SHIPPING: I will gladly combine shipping if you contact me before paying (for a combined invoice) ... and provided the items can travel safely in the same box.
WHAT, NOTHING TO COMBINE!? Hurry over to my eBay store where you'll find more top-quality antiques/collectibles/artwork/dolls: "Saddle Mountain Treasures" (Opens in a separate window/tab.)
[Blurb required by eBay for cell phone users:] *** PLEASE VIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE BIDDING. IT CONTAINS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION. THANK YOU. ***
If you are on a mobile device, click "Read More." Or, if you see a "Full Description" button, click on that.
“Miller-Cowan Dynamo Electric Machine”LABORATORY HAND-CRANKGENERATOR & MORETeaching / Training Model
Manufactured by Central Scientific Company (CENCO) - Chicago, Ill.
[ PROVENANCE... ]
This came up at auction as part of a private collection of similar pieces, all dating to the 1960s and earlier. The only provenance offered was that they originated at an educational facility, where they were part of the "physics lab."&nbs...p; One item in the collection still had its vintage property tag from "Goodland Schools, " in Goodland, Kansas. That school system included (in the 1960s) a high school and -- if I'm not mistaken -- also encompassed the "Northwest Kansas Area Vocational Technical School, " which was established in that same town in 1964. So, back in the Cold War days, this piece quite likely was part of the lab of either the high school or the vo-tech in Goodland, KS.
[ FEATURES AND DETAILS... ]
This model of generator was listed in the 1929 Central Scientific Company catalogue as the "Miller-Cowan Dynamo Electric Machine, for study of both alternating and direct currents. This excellent lecture table piece effectively serves to demonstrate: Alternating Currents, Direct Currents, Use of Commutator, Effect of Speed on Rotation, Dynamos -- separately and Self-Excited, Alternators, Direct Current Generators, Dynamos and Motors -- Series -- Shunt -- Compound ... $19.50"
- Dimensions: Approx. 13" x 9" footprint; 9" tall
- Weighs: Approx. 13 lbs.
(Sizeable and heavy -- Hence the shipping costs)- It is hand-numbered (probably by the school) with "96." I also sold (already) a Ruhmkorff Induction Coil from the same collection, which had a hand-written note on it saying "OK w/96." So, I believe the two pieces were used together in the physics lab.
- To my knowledge, this unit is complete -- no missing parts. (Even the two fragile brass contact reeds are still in place.) However, I am an antiques dealer (not an engineer), so I'll confess I haven't the knowledge or equipment to properly test it. If there is ANYTHING you would like me to check for you, please message me through eBay BEFORE you bid or purchase, and I'll be glad to assist. Otherwise, please understand that you are purchasing this UNTESTED and AS-IS, being sold for its collector value, not functionality. No returns accepted.
[ CONDITION... ]
- Beautiful antique/vintage condition -- from a non-smoking environment.- No signs of abuse, moisture damage, or having been dropped.
- It has some numbers marked on it -- probably the inventory number from the school lab. There is also something lightly scratched into the wood. (See final photo.)- AS-IS, UNTESTED.The above is my good-faith attempt to disclose all noteworthy issues. Keep in mind that vintage/antique items always show their age. (Don't we all!?) It would be impossible to mention every tiny detail, so please expect that there will be something about this item (or lot) that's not perfect and may need touch-up.
PLEASE SUPERSIZE ALL PHOTOS, AND ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING/BUYING. I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER.
[ ALL ABOUT SHIPPING... ]DON'T OVERPAY FOR SHIPPING: U.S. purchasers, please be sure to check all shipping options I'm offering. Shipping costs can vary dramatically depending on your Zip code, so choose the one that best suits your needs. I never inflate shipping to make hidden profits. If you believe the shipping is too high, please contact me (with Zip code) and I'll be glad to double-check it for you!
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: By default, international shipping is through eBay's Global Shipping Program, which means the shipping rates are set by eBay (outside my control). BUT ... If you live in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, or U.K., message me for possible options other than Global Shipping Program. (These countries have more flexible Priority Post options, but it depends on the size and value of the item you're purchasing.)COMBINED SHIPPING: I will gladly combine shipping if you contact me before paying (for a combined invoice) ... and provided the items can travel safely in the same box.
WHAT, NOTHING TO COMBINE!? Hurry over to my eBay store where you'll find more top-quality antiques/collectibles/artwork/dolls: "Saddle Mountain Treasures" (Opens in a separate window/tab.)
[Blurb required by eBay for cell phone users:] *** PLEASE VIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE BIDDING. IT CONTAINS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION. THANK YOU. ***
If you are on a mobile device, click "Read More." Or, if you see a "Full Description" button, click on that.
