Topic: strange machine - what is it for? - ID = galvanic lighter or galvanic lamp

[Ivo]

Strange machine in cobalt blue glass with metal fittings. What is it for? From the making I assume it is from the late 19th/ early 20th century. Is it medical?

Markings on the bottom of the bottle - any suggestions?

[Galle]

I'll venture a guess - maybe it's used to mix chemicals, medications, or biological samples in a measured way without being exposed to them?

[Anne]

Barry (the former industrial chemist sat beside me!) says it looks like some type of early venturi pump, so he's thinking laboratory rather than (personal) medical, but an end-on view of the metal work might help.

[obscurities]

Can we see it without the glass on it. I am interested in what, if anything extends into the bottles, and what the underside of the portion that the bottles screw on looks like.  My suspicion is that it is for creating some sort of low pressure, or high pressure in one of the bottles.....  but I would like to see more of the workings...  It is an interesting item.

Craig

[Anne]

Craig, that's what Barry was saying too. He thinks the larger chamber is air and the smaller one takes the liquid, the the sprung assembly pressurises the large one which then is used to spray the contents of the smaller one.

[glassobsessed]

Why blue glass? Would the contents have degrade if exposed to too much light?

Just questions, no answers.

John

[obscurities]

The short piece of pipe extending from the top of the smaller unit looks to me like it could be a connector one would attach a spray line or pressure line of some sort to.....  More pictures from all angles without the glass is what is needed......

[Anne]

Blue and green glass often indicated toxic substances, John. Both colours were commonly used for poison bottles, for example, but it could be to protect the contents from light spoilage as well (that's why brown ones are used for medicines and beer now.)

[Frank]

Paint or fixative sprayer is another possibility. There were some weird designs over the years. The pump should be an air pump, look for leather cups and non return valve at bottom of pump. A separate release button to allow the air to flow across the top of the small container.

[Ivo]

I've not yet taken delivery, so no idea what the function is. Will come back with more photographs in a week or so.