Description
This fascinating piece of scientific history is a vintage laboratory apparatus manufactured by the Central Scientific Co. (CENCO) of Chicago, U.S.A. Founded in 1900, CENCO became the premier supplier of high-quality instructional equipment for university physics departments. This specific device, likely dating from the 1920s to 1940s, features a robust black-finished cast iron elliptical frame housing a central vertical rotor with copper-wound electromagnetic coilsâ€â€one pair finished in red and the other in green. It is an educational demonstrator used to teach the principles of electromagnetism, specifically the interaction between magnetic fields and current-carrying coils (Lorentz force) as found in motors and generators. The unit shows signs of age-appropriate wear, including minor paint chips on the black frame and some fading or light desiccation to the colored coil wraps, but remains structurally sound and visually striking as an industrial display piece. Untested. H 15.25", W 19", D 7". From the collection of Dale Beeks. Please see photos for condition.
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Cenco Laboratory Physics Apparatus
Estimate $200-$10,000
Starting Price
$100
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Early Inventions and Technology Auction
Sep 26, 2026, 11:00 AM EDTUnion, IL, United States
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