Item ST 28752 Crystal Detector - Three Leafs, Radio Receiver, circa 1918

Summary

Crystal detector containing three pairs of minerals. Probably used in marine radio communication as an emergency crystal detector.

Each leaf assembly is mechanically independent and can only be selected one at a time. Each leaf assembly forms a detector where rectification occurs at the contact between two suitable minerals such as, for example, zincite and chalcopyrites. One of the three detectors can be selected using a brass peg.This type of device is often referred to as a Perikon detector.

Physical Description

Three adjustable leaf springs, mounted on brass blocks on an ebonite base. Two of the leafs hold a mineral mounted in a brass cup, the third has parts missing. There is also a brass block to allow a peg to be inserted to select one of the three detectors. Another brass block supports the two more cups holding other minerals. Peg is missing.