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A collection of eighteen Geissler and Crooke's glass tubes, late 19th and early 20th centuries, (Qty) image 1
A collection of eighteen Geissler and Crooke's glass tubes, late 19th and early 20th centuries, (Qty) image 2
Lot 96

A collection of eighteen Geissler and Crooke's glass tubes,
late 19th and early 20th centuries,
(Qty)

Instruments of Science and Technology
2 December 2020, 14:00 GMT
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £3,187.50 inc. premium

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A collection of eighteen Geissler and Crooke's glass tubes, late 19th and early 20th centuries,

of various designs, colours and shapes, together with an Apps' Patent Induction Coil in pine carrying case, the largest tube 9 3/4in (24.5cm) long, (Qty)

Footnotes

The tube was invented by the German physicist and glassblower Heinrich Geissler in 1857. It consists of a sealed, partially evacuated glass cylinder of various shapes with a metal electrode at each end, containing rarefied gasses such as neon, argon, or air; mercury vapor or other conductive fluids; or ionizable minerals or metals, such as sodium. When a high voltage is applied between the electrodes, an electrical current flows through the tube. The current disassociates electrons from the gas molecules, creating ions, and when the electrons recombine with the ions, the gas emits light by fluorescence. The colour of light emitted is characteristic of the material within the tube, and many different colours and lighting effects can be achieved. The first gas-discharge lamps, Geissler tubes were novelty items made in many artistic shapes and colours to demonstrate the new science of electricity. In the early 20th century the technology was commercialized and evolved into neon lighting.

Additional information

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Original Superman 'Flying Costume' from the 1978 film 'Superman: The Movie', worn by American actor Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) in the flying scenes of the motion picture. Consisting of red wool cape with sewn-on logo, blue nylon top with sewn-on logo, blue nylon pants, yellow plastic belt and red leather boots. Also included is documentation regarding ownership history, unopened copy of the film (DVD), CD-ROM with catalogue material from Christie's, New York, July 2001, where the costume was last sold, and a color photograph of Christopher Reeve in one of the film's flying scenes. Zip waistband with the costume workshop's handwritten name, 'Nathans-Bermans CR [Christopher Reeve] Fly' ('Bermans & Nathans Ltd', London). The inside of the boots are labelled in pen, 'CR R 4' and 'CR L 4' for Christopher Reeve respectively. Both boot shafts also have remnants of sewn-on fabric labels on the inside. (14 items in total).

DKK800,000 - DKK1,000,000