Description: Offered is this beautiful antique 3-circuit knife switch rated at 10 amps, 250 volts. The metal parts are mounted on a marble base, measuring about 3-3/4" by 6", and is 11/16" thick. The overall length is about 8" including the wood handle and it weighs a bit over 2 pounds. The metal parts are brass and copper. There are no manufacturer's markings on it other than the voltage and current markings. I have no idea who made it, but it is probably late 19th or early 20th century. What makes this switch unusual is that it has quick break contacts. As the switch is opened, the helper contacts maintain continuity until a limit point is reached, and then they snap open driven by the springs on either side. This was to reduce arcing which reduced the life of the switch. I believe this was primarily useful when switching power to motors or transformers (inductive loads). It provides mounting for fuse links or pieces of fuse wire, not the later cartridge-style fuses. Quick-break contacts like these were commonly advertised back in the day (at extra cost), but are rarely seen today. I am offering this in as-found condition. Two screws for connecting wires are missing, as is one washer. There are minor chips in the marble base, some green corrosion on the metal parts, and a smear of black paint at one corner. The wood handle will be removed and wrapped separately to ensure safe arrival. Thank you for looking!
Price: 199.99 USD
Location: Southampton, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2024-09-10T15:35:49.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Unbranded
Port Type: Screw
Current Type: AC/DC
Current Rating: 10 A
Coil Voltage: 250 V
Material: Brass, Marble
Item Length: 6 in
Switch Style: Knife
Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
Item Width: 4 in
