Search 0
62,055  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 200 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTSNEW
200 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA792379
FOR SALE
£1,200
Email Phone Buy
Save
Large Mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Generator
For sale by Jason Clarke Antiques
for sale €1,404     $1,524
£1,200
Jason Clarke Antiques

Jason Clarke Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2015
Browse dealers 78 items
Relevant Links
Id #SA792379
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Large Mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Generator

1920 - 1940
Description

For sale a large mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Electrostatic Generating Machine.

This huge demonstration example is comprised of a galvanised steel domed base with a hollow acrylic shaft which is topped with a galvanised collar and plate which holds a felt pad. At the base and the top plate, a spindle is provided to which a rubber belt is attached and a brush or comb is located at each end. Over the top plate is placed a metal dome which rests upon the felt pad. At the base, a small input point allows for the wand to be attached.

The Van Der Graaff generator works by means of the rubber belt moving over two rollers comprised of differing materials each with a comb, the top one connected to the hood and the bottom one connected to earth. Owing to the different materials of the rollers, the movement of the belt causes the transfer of electrons from one to the other. The bottom roller will be negatively charged and the top positively charged. The excess positive charge is subsequently accumulated on the outer surface of the dome and builds up very large amounts of charge. If a wand was attached to the instrument at this point then the electrons drawn up from the ground would be attracted to the positive charge in the dome and spark would be generated.

The machine continues to operate as intended and generates very lengthy sparks between the dome and the wand during good dry conditions. It measures, 75cms in height and about 27cms in diameter

Sadly there are no manufacturer marks on this piece although it is likely to be English given that the electric motor bears a plate for “Parvalux Electric Motors Ltd, Bournemouth”. The company was formed in 1947 but relocated to Bournemouth in 1957 which also provides some reasonable dating guidance. Parvalux still exists today and continues to provide electric motors to industry.

Circa 1960

Physical Dimensions
Height
75cm (29.53")
Width
27cm (10.63")
Depth
27cm (10.63")
Declaration

Jason Clarke Antiques has dated this Vintage Van De Graaff Generator to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA792379
Description
For sale a large mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Electrostatic Generating Machine.
“
This huge demonstration example is comprised of a galvanised steel domed base with a hollow acrylic shaft which is topped with a galvanised collar and plate which holds a felt pad.
Jason Clarke Antiques

At the base and the top plate, a spindle is provided to which a rubber belt is attached and a brush or comb is located at each end. Over the top plate is placed a metal dome which rests upon the felt pad. At the base, a small input point allows for the wand to be attached.

fig 1. A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle.
fig 1. Large Mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Generator

The Van Der Graaff generator works by means of the rubber belt moving over two rollers comprised of differing materials each with a comb, the top one connected to the hood and the bottom one connected to earth. Owing to the different materials of the rollers, the movement of the belt causes the transfer of electrons from one to the other. The bottom roller will be negatively charged and the top positively charged. The excess positive charge is subsequently accumulated on the outer surface of the dome and builds up very large amounts of charge. If a wand was attached to the instrument at this point then the electrons drawn up from the ground would be attracted to the positive charge in the dome and spark would be generated.

fig 2. A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle.
fig 2. Large Mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Generator

The machine continues to operate as intended and generates very lengthy sparks between the dome and the wand during good dry conditions. It measures, 75cms in height and about 27cms in diameter

Sadly there are no manufacturer marks on this piece although it is likely to be English given that the electric motor bears a plate for “Parvalux Electric Motors Ltd, Bournemouth”. The company was formed in 1947 but relocated to Bournemouth in 1957 which also provides some reasonable dating guidance. Parvalux still exists today and continues to provide electric motors to industry.

Circa 1960

Height
75cm (29.53")
Width
27cm (10.63")
Depth
27cm (10.63")
Date of Manufacture

Jason Clarke Antiques has dated this Vintage Van De Graaff Generator to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA792379
Jason Clarke Antiques
Jason Clarke Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Jason Clarke Antiques Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle.
1 / 11
Archive I A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle.

Large Mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Generator

Archive II A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View II
Archive III A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View III
Archive IV A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View IV
Archive V A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View V
Archive VI A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View VI
Archive VII A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View VII
Archive VIII A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View VIII
Archive IX A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View IX
Archive X A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View X
Archive XI A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
Jason Clarke Antiques

Jason Clarke Antiques
Telephone 07815 046645
Location
Newbury
Berkshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jclarke
Verified Since Jul 2015
Items For Sale 78
Items Sold 609
Jason Clarke Antiques
Jason Clarke Antiques
Verified Since Jul 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jclarke
Verified
Jul 2015
For Sale
78
Sold
609
A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle.
Large Mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Generator
Ref: SA792379
A mid-twentieth-century Van de Graaff generator featuring a polished silver electrostatic sphere supported on vertical columns above a grey textured base, accompanied by a discharge wand with a wooden handle.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleMid-Century Scientific
  • MaterialAluminium, Steel, Perspex, Wood
  • ColourSilver and Grey
  • MotifsPolished aluminium sphere, Hammer-tone base finish, Discharge wand with wooden handle, Insulated upright column
  • SizeH 75 cm (30 in) x W 27 cm (11 in) x D 27 cm (11 in)

This large mid-twentieth-century Van Der Graaff electrostatic generating machine exemplifies mid-century scientific style. The instrument comprises a galvanised steel domed base with a hammer-tone finish in grey, a hollow acrylic shaft, and a polished silver-coloured aluminium sphere at the top. Accompanying the generator is a discharge wand with a turned wooden handle and a spherical metal tip, connected by a loose wire. The upright column and base exhibit minimal surface wear with minor textural variations. Measuring 75 cm high by 27 cm wide and 27 cm deep, the unit stands upright on any flat horizontal surface. Suitable for display in a gentleman's library or study, this scientific apparatus sits on a sideboard top or large desk. The machine operates as intended to generate electrostatic charges and lengthy sparks under dry conditions. It functions as a decorative educational conversation piece and an example of mid-century laboratory equipment for collectors of scientific instruments. The neutral silver and grey tones allow integration into traditional studies or industrial-themed interiors alongside other vintage instruments and books.

FAQs

Invented by American physicist Robert J. Van de Graaff in 1929, a Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic machine that uses a moving belt to accumulate electric charge on a hollow metal globe. Mid-twentieth-century versions were widely manufactured for laboratory research and classroom demonstration purposes.

Mid-century models typically feature polished aluminium or chrome-plated spheres, insulated columns made from rubber, perspex, or glass, and heavy cast iron or steel bases with textured finishes, alongside wooden-handled discharge wands.

Authentic period pieces display original textured hammer-tone paint on cast bases, age-appropriate wear to wiring or drive belts, stamped manufacturer plates, and heavy-gauge polished metal domes rather than lightweight modern plastics.

Place the generator on an executive desk, sideboard, or library shelf alongside dark wood furnishings, leather accents, and architectural drawings to create a focused, curio-inspired display.

Dust the polished sphere and base using a dry, non-abrasive microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or water to protect original patination, oxidation, and historical paint finishes.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories