Picked this piece up in a fix or repair lot on eBay. Looks like some type of ancient rheostat that apparently overheated at one point. It has no markings of any kind to link it to a manufacturer. So does any one have a clue as to who made it, and what it's function might be?
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trainman48,
Here is the what 'zit I bought at York a couple years ago - no manufacturer's markings on it either. Base is heavy die-cast metal.
Some sort of speed/voltage control, like on some pre-war transformers?
It's and Ives voltage control.
@Robert S. Butler posted:It's the voltage controller (speed controller) for an early Ives transformer - catalog cut from the 1923 Ives catalog.
@Vernon Barry posted:
Yep! Essentially, you'd get the power from the transformer (which connected to the main power supply), then that would run to this in order to control the train's speed. Some makers (including some in the UK) would adapt this method even into the 1950's and 1960's, maybe a bit later but using large batteries and a small controller like this to control the speed.
@Robert S. Butler posted:It's and Ives voltage control.
Robert,
I never would have guessed IVES - I wonder why they didn't put their name on it?
I thank all of you who aided in identifying the what 'zit I posted the other day. This piece is certainly the oldest I have in my collection. Due to its age, I don't dare use it, as it might land up getting fried. So it will have a safe place in my display case.
@trainman48- I have a similar "zit" from a Lionel M-10000 set. I've tested mine and other than needing a new cord, it works.
It's amazing what passed for safe electrical equipment in those days.
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