It sounds a bit like a telecommunication power source.
Gerhard

On Mon, 10 Jun 1996, TQV wrote:

> To all those industrial historians out there, I hope that you can help me.
>
> I have two batteries with glass cells. Each battery has six cells (12
> volt?).They measure approximately 20" long by 12" wide by 12" high. I would
> guess they are easily 45-50 lbs each.  The glass cells say 'Exide' on the
> sides and lids.  Each battery is in a wooden frame with handles.  The bottom
> of the frames have all but rotted away.  Our hazardous materials people are
> removing the acidic residues which are still inside the cells.  In so doing,
> the guts of each cell is being removed and in most cases a wooden buffer
> between the electrodes is disintigrating. Not much can be done about this.
> All in all though they're in pretty good shape.
>
> I want to know anything and everything I can learn about these peices.  They
> have recently been uncovered in the bowels of the University's underground
> catacombs.  Areas where steam and power were connected to the buildings
> throughout campus. They're so old, that there is no oral history to go along
> with them. Thus my dilema.
>
> Are they rare?
> What period do they date to? (I'm guessing turn of the century?)
> What were they commonly used for? (besides the obvious)
> Does anyone else have some?
> Does anyone want one? (I'm considering only one for the collection,
> therefore the other one will probably need a good home.)
>
> References? Citations?
>
> TIA to all respondents.
>
> Terry Vidal ([log in to unmask]) (http://www.uni.edu/vidal)
> Collections Manager
> University of Northern Iowa Museum (http://www.uni.edu/museum)
>