(a) Hollow cylindrical jar with glass sides and a metal base; bottom is closed, concave with metal leaf on bottom; 5.2-cm band of metal up cylinder sides; top of cylinder tapers convexly to broad, open top; (b) solid wooden lid, gentle convex curve to top, with ball handle; lid steps down at 90° an…
(a) Hollow cylindrical jar with glass sides and a metal base; bottom is closed, concave with metal leaf on bottom; 5.2-cm band of metal up cylinder sides; top of cylinder tapers convexly to broad, open top; (b) solid wooden lid, gentle convex curve to top, with ball handle; lid steps down at 90° angle to a narrower cylinder; three cork pads, 120 degrees apart, are attached to the cylinder; metal chain attached to closed bottom of lid via a bolt assembly
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - bottle - Size: Depth 30.6 cm x Diam. 14.3 cm
b - lid with chain - Size: Length 40.8 cm x Diam. 12.4 cm
Provenance
Owned and used by Dr. C.H. Bird of Gananoque, Ontario
Dates
1883
1944
circa 1883-1944
Date Remarks
Based on lifetime of C.H. Bird and patent history
Material
metal: silver; yellow
glass: clear
wood: brown
cork: brown
Inscriptions
None
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0007
0007-C1-2
Condition Remarks
(a) Extensive staining of inside bottle; metal is tarnished inside and out; broken cork adhered to neck; adhesive residue on neck; two large stains on outside, formerly sticky and resistant to wiping; (b) cork worn, crumbling; top stained extensively
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
JPG
Reference Comments
Mr. Robert Bird; "The Life and Times of Dr. C.H. Bird 1872-1944," by Dr. H.G. Bird (1899-1992), ca 198–, p. 8 (see attached photocopy); "Aloe's Catalogue of Superior Surgical Instruments," 6th ed., 189–, p. 754; manual for Dr. C.H. Bird's Morton-Wimshurst-Holtz Influence Engine (see photocopy); CD #7
Research Facts
Used as part of a "Static Machine" to provide extra visual effects; also contributed to the reliability of operation of early X-ray machines.