P95.02.01A: Crystal ball is a sphere of clear glass containing tiny interior bubbles and barely perceptible striations on the surface corresponding to lines of latitude.
P95.02.01B: Base for ball is a turned disk of pine with recessed top in which to
Place of origin is unknown.
Provenance
9/07/2012 - Transferred from HC Collections; 12/29/94 - Purchase from Book Haven 146 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Glass ball has minor surface abrasions or imperfections; some small nicks and scratches in the base, and a 1/2" area of finish loss on the center of the bottom.
A "Galena 'Catwhisker' Wireless Detector" used in early crystal radio. Precision crystal detector with iron pyrite crystal, used in commercial wireless stations.
Mounted on a 3/5-inch square, .5-inch high with beveled edge. 2.5-inch glass tube secured between metal pieces. Screw on side of metal bracket can be removed to uncover the glass tube.