A Book of Voltamp Electrical Products
Baltimore: published by the Voltamp Electrical Manufacturing Company, no date, circa 1915. Octavo, original printed wrappers; 112 pp., illustrations and diagrams throughout. Some foxing, but very good condition overall. A curious trade catalogue of goods offered for sale by the Voltamp Electrical Manufacturing Company of Baltimore. The range of products is both impressive and baffling. It appears that Voltamp manufactured just about anything they could sell – including telephones, model train sets, home beauty devices and medical apparatus for use in psychiatric hospitals.
Conventional products include telegraph units, telephones, bells and ringers, light bulbs, batteries, dynamos, generators, burglar alarms, electroplating equipment and so forth.
On a more sombre note, the catalogue includes specialist medical equipment for electroconvulsive therapy in psychiatric hospitals. Products for use by treating psychiatrists include sponge electrodes, felt-pad electrodes, silk conducting cords, electrode handles (in metal and ebony), wire brushes, and related equipment. High voltage 'medical battery units' are also offered in this catalogue.
This is followed by a range of dubious contraptions for therapy and beautification, including electrolysis for hair removal, massage rollers, electric hair brushes, and more. Of special concern is the Einhorn stomach or gastric electrode, here marketed for 'applying the current within the stomach or rectum'.
The final section, comprising pages 93 to 111, is solely devoted to model railway and tram car locomotives, with rail and sundry accessories.
The catalogue includes a single leaf from the Australian distributors, Jerdan's of 393 George street Sydney. Item #4305
Price (AUD): $350.00