Bidspirit auction | Unsigned Antique Voss-Style Influence Machine

Unsigned Antique Voss-Style Influence Machine - This exceptional late 19th to early 20th-century unsigned electrostatic influence machine is a spectacular piece of early scientific laboratory demonstration apparatus. Exhibiting the scarce Voss-pattern configuration, which incorporates a variant rarity of one larger fixed rear glass insulating disc acting as an inductor plate paired with a slightly smaller counter-facing front rotating disc fitted with metallic foil sectors, this asymmetrical design is significantly less common than standard dual-rotating Wimshurst models. A manual wood hand-crank drive wheel with a leather belt transfers rotation exclusively to the front plate while the rear remains stationary, collecting charge via brass combs to discharge through adjustable spark gap electrodes mounted above dual glass Leyden jar capacitors on an oval-turned finished wood base. Objectively, the piece is in good, exceptionally complete condition, displaying a rich, naturally aged patina across the brass components and minor handling wear to the finished wood surfaces, though the clamped brush assembly on the upper portion of the larger fixed disc is currently loose and requires adjustment. H 20”, W 36”, D 18”. Please see photos for condition. Note: Pickup/Transport required. Contacts available Post-Auction. From the Dale Beeks collection.