CROOKES’ SPECTROSCOPE IN MINIATURE, English, c. 1875, signed “John Browning, London.” This fine little spectroscope has a central trapezoidal box containing the glass prism, and two 4″ (10 cm) long tubes, one with extending tube containing the two-element eyepiece, the other with extending tube containing the simple adjustable slit. Each tube can be adjusted slightly for tilt with respect to the prism. Spectra are clearly visible. The instrument is in very fine condition, with its beautiful clear lacquered finish to the brass. It possibly had been stand-mounted at one time.
This is a diminutive version of the spectroscope patented by Sir William Crookes in 1861. The large version was manufactured by Spencer Browning and Co., and was stand-mounted with horizontal collimator tube; it was exhibited at the 1862 International Exhibition. One example is in the Whipple Museum in Cambridge, a second one in the Power House Museum in Sydney. But the makers also advertised “a most efficient, portable and convenient instrument…Crookes’ Pocket Spectroscope for tourists….” Spencer Browning and Co. are listed in the London directories until c. 1870, and John Browning on his own, at the same address, from c. 1872. We are aware of one other miniature example of this form.
A very nice Crookes tube, on a custom pedestal, from an old Italian school.
Not tested but everything looks fine, length of the tube is 27 cm
4 Crookes tubes, length 11,5-15 cm.
A nice Crookes’s pattern vacuum tube with 2 electrodes, the elongated bulb containing phosphorescent mineral substances, on wood stand.
Height is 22 cm, lenghts 18 cm, it looks like in perfect condition.
Offered for sale is a very rare antique Jackson type x-ray tube with a turned timber stand. Circa1896.
Brief history: Geissler tubes were used for creating visual displays by making gasses glow. After this Crookes tubes which had vacuum in the tube rather than gasses. This experimentation ultimately led to the discover of X-rays by Roentgen in 1895. Just before this, the Jackson type X-ray tube was originally designed by Professor Herbert Jackson of King’s College, London in 1894.
This Jackson type tube offered for sale is likely from 1896-1900, immediately after the discovery of X-rays. This X-ray tube is most likely originally from the UK.
Rarity: This item is very rare. I’ve only seen these in museums.
Period: Late 19th century – Victorian
Style: Crookes tube, cathode tube
Material: Hand blown glass and aluminum + a turned timber stand
Diameter: 6cm without stand. 10.5cm with stand.
Height: 25cm without stand. 35cm with stand.
Condition: Very good to fine. No chips or cracks.
Shipping and shipping costs: The listed price does not include shipping costs. Please contact us for shipping costs to your location. To ensure the item arrives safe and sound, we only use reputable couriers with tracking, insurance, and signature required.
ENAMELED SILVER AND GOLD CHAIN OF OFFICE, English, 1935, engraved on the reverse “Presented by Leo A. Rowden M.B., C.M., February 1935.” The 3-1/2″ (9 cm) tall large oval pendant has a central blue and white enameled device with central stone and gold and silver inlay, surrounded by a silver wreath set with semi-precious stones. The reverse has a locket, and the pendant is suspended from a 1-1/2″ diameter armorial in similar materials. This connects to two 8″ long chains with scientists’ names (Hauksbee, Faraday, Crookes, Thompson, Roentgen, Hittorf, Nollet, and Guericke) alternating with blue enameled panels, bearing symbolism suggestive of X-rays and their generation. The chains are connected by blue ribbon. This rare survival is complete and in excellent condition throughout.
This impressive chain of office is for the Society of Radiographers, founded in 1920, open to those with at least ten years continuous employment in electro-therapeutic or X-ray departments. Examinations were required for admission. In 1921 there were 67 members, but by 1995, there were 13,500, and the Society continues today. We find records of Leo Rowden, the presenter of this chain; he advocated extensive use of X-rays for their ability to gauge internal dimensions with great accuracy: “Every woman should have her pelvic measures, accurately determined by radiography, engraved on the inside of her wedding-ring.”
