omas - Working tool Industrial - ACETYLENE GENERATOR

DESCRIPTION – ITALIAN/ENGLISH

Calcium carbide acetylene generator from the early 20th century (circa 1900–1925), an original industrial technical instrument historically used for the production of acetylene gas intended for lighting and small applications in workshops, laboratories, and production settings of the era.
The device features a cylindrical body made of copper/brass with iron and steel components, built according to the designs of the first non-pressurized carbide generators.

The outer surfaces show an authentic, layered patina, a natural outcome of time and use, with oxidation of copper and iron that create a deep, textural effect and are visually very powerful, surprisingly close to contemporary industrial aesthetics such as corten. For this reason the object has a strong impact as well as an industrial decor element.

As a technical point, the operation was based on the classic reaction between calcium carbide and water, with water fed from above by gravity. The acetylene gas produced was conveyed through an internal vertical tube connected to the main valve with a sluice gate, allowing gas collection to be more stable and distant from the reaction zone.
The generator is equipped with a more elaborate passive safety and compensation system than the simpler models of the era: an upper valve intercepts any excess gas or condensate and channels them, through an external curved duct, to a second lower valve connected to an internal return tube of larger diameter. This measure helped improve operating stability and limit external leaks, indicating a design relatively advanced for the period.
Inside, there are residues consistent with the object's historical use.

No invasive restoration has been carried out. The object has been gently cleaned and treated with microcrystalline wax solely to stabilize the surfaces and preserve the original patina, without altering its authenticity.

The generator has not been tested and is offered as a historical technical object, for collection, museum display, or as an important element of industrial decor. Sold in the condition shown in the photograph.

ENGLISH

Early 20th century calcium carbide acetylene generator (circa 1900–1925), an original industrial technical device historically used for the production of acetylene gas for lighting and small workshop or laboratory applications.

The generator features a cylindrical body made of copper/brass with iron and steel components, manufactured according to early non-pressurised acetylene generator designs. The exterior displays a naturally aged, layered patina developed over decades of use.

Copper oxidation and iron corrosion interact to create a deep, material surface with strong visual impact, reminiscent of modern industrial aesthetics such as corten steel, making this piece highly attractive also as an industrial design object.

From a technical perspective, the device operates on the classic carbide–water reaction principle, with water introduced from the upper opening by gravity. The generated acetylene gas was conveyed through an internal vertical tube connected to the main hand-operated shut-off valve, allowing for more stable gas collection away from the reaction zone.
The generator is equipped with a more elaborate passive safety and compensation system than simpler contemporary models. An upper valve collects excess gas or condensate and channels it through a curved external conduit to a lower valve connected to a larger internal return tube. This system helped regulate pressure variations and reduce external gas dispersion, reflecting a relatively advanced technical design for its time.
The internal surfaces show residues consistent with historical use. No aggressive cleaning or restoration has been carried out.

The object has been gently cleaned and treated with microcrystalline wax solely to stabilise the surfaces and preserve the original patina without altering its authenticity.

The generator has not been tested and is offered as a historical technical artefact, suitable for collectors, museums, industrial heritage displays, or as a striking industrial decor statement piece. Sold in the condition shown in the photographs.