need id help

[boopsie1314]

would like to know what this was used for.

 

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[Noodle]

Good question. Can't read it. Can you help?

 

[Mackaydon]

Scroll down to this product:

A very old Edison Primary battery with glass jar and porcelain lid dating back to the early 1900s, maybe late 1800s...all original...white porcelain lid having a wood knob, a stress line(see pic)and light discoloration...embossed lettering on lid reads "BSCO, Primary Battery, NO 3, Thomas A Edison, trade mark, Manf'd by Edison Mfg Co, Orange NJ, USA"....
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/prairieland/ilist/,cs=Collectibles:Glass,,+Crystal,id=2.22.html

 

[djabend]

Thomas A. Edison Primary Batteries were widely used on railroads to energize track and signal circuits. The battery consisted of a glass jar 6" in diameter and 10" high. Each cell produced 0.8 volt. The elements had to be renewed at various times due to train density and other factors. The new elements consisted of zinc and lead plates, a can of caustic soda, and a small glass of oil. The caustic soda was mixed with water, the elements were suspended in the solution, and the battery oil was added to the top of the solution to prevent evaporation....The earliest patent date is July 23, '08. These batteries were still in use in the mid-60's...O.M. Middleton, Oregon, OH

http://www.antiquebottles.com/edison/

Here are some Pictures

and where they were made

and some other uses

http://www.nps.gov/archive/edis/edisonia/05100000.htm


HH,
Donny

 

[boopsie1314]

it says, EDISON <BSCO>PRIMARY BATTERY-patented-july 20,11-sept 5,11-april 4-11---opper.patent pending- trade-thomas a.edison -reg.u.s. mark-pat.off-thomas.a.edison.inc..orange,n.j.

 

[boopsie1314]

thanx for all your help.

 

[Mackaydon]

Here's another one that looks like yours:
http://www.treasurehuntlane.com/Railroadiana/9BJ1EdisonBatt.html

 

[flyinguy]

really cool find! and you history heads are just too smart for me. keep on teachin!