A PINE, NICKEL FINISH BRASS AND BAKELITE WIMSHURST ELECTROSTATIC GENERATING MACHINEGTAVE VAN BEGIN, BRSELS, EARLY TO MID 20th CENTURYThe twin contra-rotating bakelite discs applied with foil lozenges at regular intervals pivoted between U-shaped cast iron upright incorporating two six-spoke pulley wheels driven by a crank handle at the base to the rear, the front with pair of Leyden jars supporting a horizontal black bakelite beam applied with electrostatic collector arms connected via lever switches to the Leyden jars and with a pair of pivoted discharge arms connected via similar lever switches, on rectangular wood base applied with trade label inscribed Instruments Scientifique, GTAVE VAN BEGIN, BRUXELLES.38cm (15ins) high, 32cm (12.5ins) wide, 17cm (6.75ins) deep.