Bidspirit auction | Early 20th C. Electrotherapy Cabinet

Early 20th C. Electrotherapy Cabinet - An exceptional early 20th-century electro-therapeutic medical cabinet manufactured by Fischer of Chicago, Illinois (Type FO, No. 8006, 110 Volts, 12.5 Amps, 60 Cycles, 1 K.W.), serving as a remarkable testament to the turn-of-the-century era of electromedicine and quack medical device innovation. Housed in a dark-stained hardwood floor cabinet topped with a glass-enclosed display case, the unit features a fine inset white marble switchboard equipped with brass terminals, rotary selector switches, meter contacts, push-button switches labeled ”MOTOR SWITCH” and ”HEATER SWITCH,” and multiple wand attachments. Opening the rear cabinet door reveals the original high-voltage internal mechanics, including large Leyden jar-style glass capacitors, heavy-duty step-up transformers, spark gap assemblies, and a bottom-mounted motor compressor unit with fluid/air lines. The lower front inset showcases a white enameled panel with brass valve controls, while the bottom sliding drawer opens to reveal a rich assembly of period accessories, including glass vacuum electrode tubes, insulated cords, hand instruments, and an original box of Thor ”Noon-Sun” carbons. Physically, the wooden cabinet displays age-consistent surface wear, scuffs, edge wear, and finish loss, though the upper glass panels remain intact. Brass hardware displays a natural aged patina, marble shows light discoloration and dust, and the electrical cords demonstrate fraying and stiffening typical of early rubber-and-cloth insulation, with the cord on the left side of the cabinet broken and disconnected; internal wiring, glass capacitors, and mechanical components display surface dust, oxidation, and age wear. Sold strictly as an untested historical display piece. H 52”, W 26”, D 31”. Please see photos for condition. Note: Pickup/Transport required. Contacts available Post-Auction.