Buying a Violet Wand on Ebay
If you’re going to be buying a Violet Wand on ebay, you’re either going to be using ebay as the medium through which you get in contact with sellers like bound2tease or buying a vintage unit to have reconditioned for you.
If you do decide to go for a vintage unit, or a unit of unknown quality and origin.
What to look for:
Condition of the case
- is the case moldy, or worn out?
- is the original lining still intact?
- are the original electrode clips still intact?
- are the hinges and fastenings rusted?
- is the case dented?
Condition of the handset
- is the bakelite chipped, cracked or otherwise worn?
- is there evidence of wax leaking out?
Condition of the “box” (if a two-piece unit)
- if hardboard/paper fronted, is the fascia worn/discolored?
- are the knobs broken off, or chipped?
Condition of the cable
- is the cable frayed?
- is the voltage correct for your area?
Hopefully running through this checklist will help you a little if you do decide to try your hand at the lottery of ebay shopping for Violet Wands.
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.
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 