Renulife violet ray generator, consisting of seven glass and metal attachments of various shapes and sizes (a-g) in a fabric-bound, purple velvet-lined case (h); this also contains a mahogany-covered panel with two plastic knobs with brass dials; two fabric-covered cords extend from either end of t…
Renulife violet ray generator, consisting of seven glass and metal attachments of various shapes and sizes (a-g) in a fabric-bound, purple velvet-lined case (h); this also contains a mahogany-covered panel with two plastic knobs with brass dials; two fabric-covered cords extend from either end of the panel; one leads to a round electrical plug, the other to an oblong dark purple plastic component, into which the attachments fit; the original owner's name appears in white paint on the top of the case; a velvet ribbon is attached to the inner top corner of the case with the manufacturer's name in gold; the front of the case has a lockable metal clasp and leather handle.
Number Of Parts
8
Part Names
a - glass attachment - Size: Length 17.2 cm x Width 3.2 cm x Depth 1.2 cm
b - glass attachment - Size: Length 17.8 cm x Width 8.3 cm x Depth 1.2 cm
c - glass attachment - Size: Length 16.3cm x Width 10.3 cm x Depth 1.2 cm
d - glass attachment - Size: Length 15.5 cm x Width 9.3 cm x Depth 1.2 cm
e - glass attachment - Size: Length 16.2 cm x Width 6.3 cm x Depth 1.2 cm
f - glass attachment - Size: Length 17.3 cm x Width 5.2 cm x Depth 1.2 cm
g - metal attachment - Size: Length 17.8 cm x Diam. 1.9 cm
h - ray generator in case - Size: Length 30.1 cm x Width 27.5 cm x Depth 11.0 cm
Provenance
Originally owned by donor's grandfather, Mr. George Vetzal (see attached photocopy)
The white paint on top of the case reads, "G.S. VETZAL."; the front lock clasp has, "EAGLELOCK CO. // U.S.A. // TERRYVILLE, CONN" stamped into the metal; the proper right brass dial has raised lettering that reads, "EX-TERNAL // IN-TERNAL // OFF"; the proper left dial reads, "Renu Life // VIOLET RAY // GENERATOR // PAID SEPT. 30, 1919 // MADE IN U.S.A. // BY // RENULIFE ELC. CO. // DETROIT, MICH. // STRON // MILD // MODEL IV // NO 35909 // VOLTS 110 // WATTS 38"; this information appears in raised and indented metal; the velvet label in the corner of the case reads, "Renulife // VIOLET RAY GENERATOR" in gold lettering.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0007
0007-L2-5
Condition Remarks
Parts (a-f) had a ring of brown deposit near the base where the glass meets the metal contact point; metal contact points showed signs of use in the form of plate wear; glass was dirty but undamaged; part (g) showed signs of use in the form of plate wear; the fabric covering the case (h) was worn in several spaces; the hinges showed evidence of rust, as did the metal loops attaching the leather handle; the leather handle was worn; the interior of the case was dirty and musty; the brass dials had developed a slight green patina; #2: metal is rusty, box fabric covering is frayed.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Person
Other
JPG
Reference Comments
Mrs. Susan Reekie, personal correspondence regarding George Vetzal; on-line sources: Museum of Questionable Medical Devices; Turn of the Century Electrotherapy Museum; CD #4
Research Facts
See attached photocopies
Exhibit History
On loan to THEMUSEUM for exhibit 'Menstration' L-2019-1 12 Feb - 12 June 2019; returned to storage 9 June 2019