This particular machine is made of metal and plexiglass on a painted wood base. Mid-20th century (circa 1960). USSR production. On the lower wooden base there is a marking “Fizpribor plant, Kirov, 1960”. Although the metal brushes require adjustment to produce a spark, the device is still functional. Sold as is. Размер : 40 х 32 х 23 см Wimshurst voltana Voltana - Electric machine Wimshurst type The wimshurst machine is a historical electrostatic machine for generating high voltages, and was developed between 1880 and 1883 by british inventor james wimshurst (1832-1903). It is an electrical generator with a distinctive appearance, having two large contra-rotating discs mounted in a vertical plane, two crossed bars across them, and a spark gap formed by two metal spheres. British implements were invented by James Wimshurst between 1880-1883. The electrostatic generator, which produces high voltage, consists of 2 counter-rotating disks mounted vertically and 2 rods with brushes that rub against evenly spaced metal strips mounted on each of the disks. Static electricity is generated when the discs rotate. Stored in 2 liden jars. The two electrodes coming out of these lidene jars can be moved and the distance between them varied. Once the charge becomes large enough, a visible spark will flow from one electrode to the other. As the distance between these electrodes increases, the charge will increase over time and produce a longer spark. The air space between the electrodes allows the spark length to be varied. Due to electrostatic repulsion, the shorter the air space between the electrodes, the more likely a smaller spark will occur. The larger the air space between them, the larger and less frequent the spark. #salvagecollection