Rare A. Gaiffe Paris Volta-Faradic Electrotherapy Apparatus – c.1870–1890

Rare 19th-century French portable volta-faradic electrotherapy apparatus by A. Gaiffe of Paris, an important early manufacturer of precision electrical and medical instruments.

Dating approximately c.1870–1890, this compact apparatus was designed to generate an induced electrical current for therapeutic electrical stimulation, a field of considerable medical interest during the second half of the 19th century.

The fitted wooden case measures approximately 19 × 10 × 4 cm, closely corresponding with Gaiffe's documented medium-size portable apparatus, catalogue No.171, recorded at approximately 19 × 9.5 × 4.5 cm.
The case retains a substantial selection of its original equipment, including electrical components, connecting wires, insulated handles, electrodes/applicators and brass components, together with additional spare parts.

The surviving label reads:

“Appareil d'Induction Volta-Faradique
A. Gaiffe à Paris”

Adolphe Gaiffe's portable electro-medical equipment represented an important development in making electrical treatment apparatus sufficiently compact to be transported between medical practices and patients. A museum-held Gaiffe apparatus of virtually identical dimensions—19.8 × 9.9 × 3.9 cm—is catalogued as a portable electro-medical battery apparatus dating to approximately 1880.

Dimensions: approximately 19 × 10 × 4 cm.

Condition: Good antique condition with expected wear, marks and patination from age and use. Original label is worn but remains identifiable. Numerous original accessories are present together with spare components. Untested and sold as an historical medical/scientific collectible only.

A particularly interesting example of 19th-century French medical technology, electrotherapy and the early practical application of electricity in medicine.