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ID #SA792379
FOR SALE
£1,200
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Large Mid Twentieth Century Van Der Graaff Generator
Jason Clarke Antiques
for sale €1,404     $1,524
£1,200
Jason Clarke Antiques

Jason Clarke Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2015
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Id #SA792379
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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

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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 82
Items Sold 605
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
82
Sold
605
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.
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Archival Detail

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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.
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