Ebay Highlights 01/03/2013
The first two ebay highlights look to be in good condition and working order, and will probably be a fairly safe investment in terms of reliability and quality.
A red faced Helios unit, in pretty good nick with a really interesting marbled case lining.
A white faced Helios unit, also in what appears to be really good nick.
These were manufactured more recently, so you’re not getting the same level of “history” as you do with some vintage devices.
If it’s history you’re after – this VITAEFONS is more at home in a museum than in a living room.
That’s all for just now!
1950’s Holo Electron – Ebay Highlight
Ebay highlights time!
This is probably my personal taste for the white glassware, but I think this is a really nice little box. Certainly worth keeping an eye on, especially for the price it is currently! Link.
The above photo is a snapshot of my own white roller electrode, just to get your tastebuds tantalised a little.
Does this particular unit tickle your fancy? What makes a vintage unit really stand out to you?
Budget Violet Wand
I’ve ordered a “Violet Wand” from ebay (one of the pimple busting beauty units) for $22. I use the term loosely here as I’ve heard pretty bad things about these ones!
I figured it was worth it for a quick gamble and to find out exactly how the units compare to a more traditional vintage Violet Wand.
Aesthetically, there’s already a lot to be desired but we’ll see how it turns out when it gets here in terms of feel.
I’ll report back when it arrives. Anyone got any experiences using similar units?
Treasure Chest
Just spotted this on ebay. As a collectors item, that’s a very fair price to be asking – and if someone who knows what they’re doing ends up buying this piece, it’s going to be restored into something wonderful.
Look at the potential! As far as cases go, this is certainly one of the most unique I’ve come across so far. The electronics inside are probably totally destroyed, and would need completely replaced to get the unit to any semblance of “working”. It’s going to need a new handle, which will need to be custom made to retain the original aesthetic of the unit. It will probably need to be re-lined and the electrodes are all probably drained of gas and in need of being replaced. A considerable investment indeed to get up and running.
That said, what a fantastic collectors item.
Ebay Highlights 09/01/2013
Here’s the latest roundup of what I’ve found on the internet for vintage Violet Wand reconditioning projects.
There’s a lot to think about before undertaking one of these as a restoration project, but if you’re interested; here are the highlights!
An old Tefra Violet Wand. These are still being made to this day and have a reputation for being good units.
Worth considering that this one is considerably older than the commonly seen 60s and 70s units by the same manufacturer, so may be in a much poorer condition, as can be seen from the perished rubber.
This one is a “buy it now” for a price which I’m not sure it’s worth, but it was too interesting a unit not to list here.
Here’s a gem! A Fluvita Violet Wand in fairly decent external condition with a good collection of electrodes. Perished rubber will be another issue here, and the condition of the internal electrics is always a risk too but it’s well worth keeping an eye on this one!
A shockingly good condition Philantrop Violet Wand, I haven’t much information on this one but from the looks of it it’s made for home use with the mirror in the lid, probably targeted at wealthy upper class high society women, or WUCHSOCS. Yes I just made that up…
Here’s a video I found of a similar unit in action.
Violet Wand with a warranty
Now here is an interesting one! A Carlton Portable High Frequency Unit for £200 on ebay. You can pick one of these up for £280 new if you shop around, but this is not a bad deal.
The device here might appeal to some aesthetics more than the steampunk nature of the vintage devices, especially the medical aesthetic with the clean-cut case and modern materials.
I’ve never used one of these, or seen it used so I have no idea of the power of one.
Anyone ever used one?
Restoring a Violet Wand
Unless you happen to be an electrical engineer, a vintage radio enthusiast, or happen to be very friendly with one – chances are you’re not going to have a hope in hell of safely electrically rebuilding your Violet Wand.
If you’re willing to sacrifice the device to the hands of fate, it can be a good learning experience to try and get it running yourself – but such a device should never be used for anything other than practise. You’ll have to work lots and get very good at rebuilding Violet Wands before you are able to take it to the point that it’s safely usable.
Unless you’re doing it for a hobby, it really won’t be worth the time and money investment.
Helio-Lux Violet Wand
Seller doesn’t say they do international postage, but it’s always worth asking. It’s generally around 20EUR.
It’s probably also worth asking for the electrodes to be packaged seperately, all wrapped in bubble wrap. The trip over can be a little too intense for them otherwise.
Other than that – another good one to keep an eye on for a refurbishment project!
Ultrastat Violet Wand
Another good one to watch on ebay for a refurb project. Case is in nice condition and doesn’t look too worn – may even just need recabled.
Watch out for those shipping costs, remember!
Frequenta Violet Wand
Keep an eye on this unit, it may go for a bargain if it goes unspotted.
Postage from Germany is around 20EUR generally, but as always if it’s not listed it’s best to contact the seller.
Great if you’re looking for a refurb project!
Pansanitor 