Guess what this is

[donaud]

In case anyone is curious:

Victorian Glass Parlor Fountains : Expensive Decorations

Some antiques are so rare and strange that they are classed as "what's-its" by collectors. Sometimes they are also so interesting they can sell for high prices.

This year two different auction houses offered "Victorian glass parlor fountains," items that were "what's its" to most collectors. A few years ago, only 12 examples were known.

Researchers have discovered that the fountains were patented by Joseph Storer in 1871. A metal stand holds a basin at the top, and underneath it a pair of glass globes attached to a hollow metal rod could swing back and forth. Water was put in the upper basin and forced down into the globes and a series of tubes, then up again as an 8-inch water spout or fountain. The globes moved up and down and the guests were delighted with the unusual centerpiece. The fountains, about 20 inches high, were held in a frame made by James Tufts of Boston, a silver-plate manufacturer. The invention was called a "perpetual fountain" or "automatic fountain." A fancy ruby glass fountain with etched designs sold originally for $50, very expensive for a Victorian table decoration.

[RBS]

Yes! wtg bobsicle Your turn to post a new pic.

[bobsicle]

Globe Theatre?

[RBS]

I don't mind answering. After reading the previous posts I found it...

Parlor Fountain. Thanks for the hint Adventure. Great submission donaud.

New pic.

[Meonius]

I know, with 100% certainty, what the object is, but I'm going to refrain from answering since I don't want to take a turn. I'd offer a hint, but I'm not sure I could give one that hasn't already been given without outrightly giving away the answer.

I just had to know what it was and cheated.

I am, however, interested in learning how you cheated though.

[Adventure]

I just had to know what it was and cheated.
But I am not going to take the turn, so I give a hint instead:

You used to find it in a Victorian parlor.

[donaud]

Not a water wheel.

[funja]

What is a water wheel final answer

[donaud]

This one is probably getting old (and pretty hard), so...

HINT: Involves water.

[ahra]

if i may offer my opinion, that looks like an oscillator. if so, it must generate some sort of signal. it's not a speaker, as i see no input, nor a diaphragm. hm, the world is so full of... beautiful things : )

[donaud]

On the right track pepr.

"The two 'bulbs' go around and the movement powers..."

[pepr_mintz]

I puzzled over this for forever.. I think I have it.. but I dunno..

Do the two 'bulbs' go around and the movement powers some sort of heat source that heats things in the tray on top?

[donaud]

VERY close, Flag. It is not a lamp though.

[flagalstan]

hmmm. seems like a lamp that powers itself by spinning with some sort of liquid that keeps falling or something like that

[donaud]

Not an incendiary device, this.