Heat sensitive fire alarm invented by Anthony Iske (1831-1920). Patented by Iske on Aug. 19,1890.
Inside the wooden case, on alarm mechanism/movement, printed in black ink: "J.A. Neiss, Sr." There is also the key to wind the alarm, loose on the floor of the holder.
Anthony Iske was born in France and immigrated to the U.S. in 1847. He moved to Lancaster in 1853 and became an American citizen in 1858. Along with his son, Albert, he held over 200 patents. Most notable of his inventions was the first meat-slicing machine, a model of which is in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Heat Motor was designed to turn the energy held by heated water into rotational movement. Heating the water in the trough would cause the air in the submerged cylinders to rise. As the engine began to turn, the cylinders would rise above the water, the air inside would cool, and the cylinders would fall on the opposing side, adding to the circular motion of the engine.
Stereoscope sold by salesman E. W. Coble (Earle William) while living in Lancaster City. An accompanying photo card of E. W. Coble is in photo collection.
Wooden construction with sliding mount holding an aluminum viewfinder with lenses. Aluminum edged with black velvet. Collapsible wooden handle underneath.
Provenance
One of the many stereoscopes marketed and sold by enterprising salesman E.W. Coble. He also operated a garage and tire store in Lancaster. This stereoscope was used by the Coble family and passed to his daughter Ruth Elizabeth Coble Burkart to daughter Linda Hubbard, donor.
Directories list Coble as a travel agent in 1912, a salesman in 1923, operator of Coble's Tire Service in 1930s and 1940s.
