Rare Teaching Instrument for Physics Demonstrations. Vienna, Circa 1900

Rare Teaching Instrument for Physics Demonstrations. Vienna, Circa 1900

Antique teaching instrument designed to demonstrate friction between objects on a flat surface. It is a rare piece, made in Vienna in the early 20th century and in working condition. The instrument is also a very attractive piece with great decorative potential: crafted from mahogany, marble, and brass, it is a simple yet elegant piece. The apparatus is in very good condition and functions well, and can still be used to demonstrate and measure the friction of objects on an inclined plane.

The instrument consists of a central square piece, formed by a mahogany frame surrounding a slab of white marble. On one side of the frame stands a graduated brass arc. The marble slab is set into a brass base, which is attached to the wooden frame by two movable side brackets. This base also features a pointer that indicates the degrees on the arc. The assembly rests on four height-adjustable gilded brass legs. Thanks to these, the instrument can be placed level on any surface.

Attached to the wooden frame is a gilded brass plate with an engraved inscription: Friedrich Stark - Physik. Chem. Elektrotechn. Institut - Vien - 12 Baumgartenstr. 11. This plaque indicates that the instrument was part of the equipment at a vocational training institute specializing in physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering. This feature lends the device a distinctive charm, which, combined with its inherent beauty, makes it a piece of great quality and appeal.

This exquisite teaching apparatus will shine with its own light in a professors office or in the collection of a lover of scientific antiques.

Dimensions: Width: 9.4 in / 24 cm. Height: 5.9 in / 15 cm.