I'd like to buy a VIOLET RAY machine, but there are
so many to choose from. I want to know which manufacturers
made the best ones.
A VIOLET RAY device is a handheld high-voltage transformer
(technically, an Oudin coil) into which is inserted a glass tube
usually filled with argon, but sometimes with neon or other
ionizable gas. The tubes come in numerous shapes, common
forms being mushroom (stalk plus disk-like head) and rake
(like a little rake, usually with five or six tines). Most units
come with 1 to 3 interchangable tubes, but a really deluxe outfit
may have 20 or more different probes.
These were popular during the first half of the 20th century,
used by chiropractors and other practitioners of alternative
therapies. When in operation, there would be long glowing
streamers and sparks inside the glass. And when pressed
against the human body, they would glow even more, with
lots of dramatic activity near the point of contact. This must
have impressed the rubes mightily.
These units are not rare, and manufacture of new units has
not entirely ceased. However, most of the units offered for
sale on eBay are antiques. Brands commonly appearing
are Elco, Master, Renulife, Shelton, and Violetta.
I'm surprised how many of these units appear on eBay,
and the high prices they fetch. I figure this strong market
could not be supported by collectors of antiques and odd
things alone. I suspect they are being used "professionally"
by a large number of alternative practitioners. Of course,
my interest is purely for collecting purposes.
I'd like advice on which units have the best reliability.
I mean, of course, reliable electrical function without
regard to therapeutic effectiveness for any particular
purpose. I'm mostly concerned with transformer failure,
deterioration of the cord, etc. I realize there will be
large variation from unit-to-unit based on how much
use it's had, but there must also be a lot of variation
due to manufacturer and model. I'll use my own
judgement on age and wear from the photos on eBay.
What I want is any advice on particular machines known
to be good quality vs. ones known to be junk.