'Electric tonic' amusement machine, Europe, 1915-1925

Made:
1915-1925 in Europe
Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920. Detail view. Black background. Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920. Front three quarter view. Dark grey background

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Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920. Detail view. Black background.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920. Front three quarter view. Dark grey background
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920

For one old British penny (1d), this amusement machine at a fairground gave out a harmless electric shock. At the top the inscription reads “Electric tonic – keep fit use often”. Electrotherapy or the use of electric shocks was a popular treatment for aches and pains in the body, especially those caused by the nerves – although many of the techniques involved were little more than quackery.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Object Number:
1985-110
Materials:
chrome plating, copper alloy, glass, iron, paper, plastic, red paint, textile, unidentified metal and wood
type:
amuseument arcade machine
taxonomy:
  • furnishing and equipment
  • recreational artefact
credit:
Sotheby's (Chester)