Ancient capacitor?

[mrkmpn]

Can anyone identify, or give me any info about this? It's from a 1930s/40s era adding machine.

[redwire]

Re: Ancient capacitor?

It's just an old wound aluminum foil paper+wax capacitor.
Details would be printed on the other side of it. I would unscrew the mount and look for the part's value and voltage rating. It's surely a dud given the age.
I would guess it's used to prevent some switch contacts from arcing. Or a small motor cap?

[stj]

Re: Ancient capacitor?

wow, tar-dipped cotton sleeving!

[mrkmpn]

Re: Ancient capacitor?

It's just an old wound aluminum foil paper+wax capacitor.
Details would be printed on the other side of it. I would unscrew the mount and look for the part's value and voltage rating. It's surely a dud given the age.
I would guess it's used to prevent some switch contacts from arcing. Or a small motor cap?

Thanks, I'll check the other side. There is a small motor, and under that, what looks like another motor underneath, perpendicular to it. Or maybe it's some kind of gear box…

Where the power cable comes in there's a switch with what looks kinda like (from my vague memory) ignition points from a distributor. Pressing those together will power the 1st motor. Underneath, there's another smaller set of “points” that will power the other motor, if the 1st set is closed. I found if I rotate a lever on the side, it closes the 1st set, and if I plug it in, the assembly on the side of the machine will rotate once, which opens the points back up and shuts it back off.

I have no clue what all might be wrong with it, but am curious what, if anything would change if I replace that cap, though I don't expect it to fix it.

I'd be happy to upload more pics if anyone would like to see them. It's a fascinating machine, and to me a bit mind boggling how complex it is with all the levers.

My favorite part is that inside the bottom cover a technician named C. Emmerich scratched in the details of a repair he did on it on 6/27/52. 3 hours of labor + parts, totaling $12.15. Replaced bushings, springs cleaned and oiled.

[mrkmpn]

Re: Ancient capacitor?

Details would be printed on the other side of it.

Unfortunately, those markings in the picture are the only thing on the capacitor.