An impressive early Evershed & Vignoles 200-volt portable hand
dynamo, housed within its original substantial wooden case and carrying
serial number 13136.
This is an example of the company’s celebrated 1900-pattern portable
generator, designed to provide the electrical testing current required
by a separate resistance-measuring instrument. The hand crank drives the internal
generator through a substantial arrangement of precision-cut brass gearing.
Evershed & Vignoles was one of Britain’s most important manufacturers of
professional electrical testing and measuring equipment. The company pioneered
portable insulation-testing instruments and developed the equipment from which
the internationally recognised Megger name originated.
Instruments such as this were high-quality professional equipment intended for
electrical contractors, supply stations and engineering test departments.
The internal construction includes a large permanent magnet, geared armature,
multi-ring commutator and distinctive rotary disc-contact arrangement. The
folding crank handle locks into position for operation and folds neatly into
the recessed side of the case when not required.
This is the external-terminal version of the generator, supplied without the
optional internal cable drum. Two connection terminals are fitted to the side
of the case.
Of particular interest, the Science Museum Group holds an essentially identical
Evershed & Vignoles 200-volt portable generator numbered
13142—only six serial numbers after this example.
| Maker | Evershed & Vignoles Ltd, London |
| Type | Portable Hand Dynamo / Electrical Test Generator |
| Design | Evershed 1900 Pattern |
| Voltage | 200 volts |
| Serial Number | 13136 |
| Power Source | Hand crank with geared drive |
| Connections | Two external output terminals |
| Features | Folding recessed crank, brass gearing, permanent magnet and multi-ring commutator assembly |
| Construction | Hardwood case with brass, steel, copper-alloy and leather components |
| Plaque Markings | Evershed & Vignoles Ltd • London • No. 13136 • Patent • 200 |
Condition notes: Good antique workshop condition with
age-related wear throughout. The internal mechanism turns freely when the handle
is operated, and the crank folds correctly into the recessed side of the wooden
case. The gears, commutator assembly, magnet, external terminals and leather
carrying handle remain present. The wooden case is in sound condition as are the metal components with age-related patina. The generator has not
been electrically output-tested. Please study all photographs carefully for the
precise condition.
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