Voltamp Electric Mfg. Co. Voltamp Battery No. 3 Antique Quackery Electrotherapy Medical Device in Wooden Case

Voltamp Electric Mfg. Co. Voltamp Battery No. 3 Antique Quackery Electrotherapy Medical Device in Wooden Case

Voltamp Battery No. 3 “Relief” antique early 1900s medical device made by Voltamp Electric Mfg. Co., Baltimore, Maryland. An early quackery electrotherapy (electroshock therapy/ECT) unit housed in a cherry wood case with detailed instructions inside the lid. Features dials, switches, one shock therapy wand, and original wiring—battery not included. A striking display piece for collectors ofr vintage medical decor. Measures approximately 9¼” L x 6¼” W x 7¾” H. Comes as shown.

 

 

A brief history of Voltamp Electric Manufacturing Co., Baltimore, Maryland:

Voltamp Electric Manufacturing Co. was founded ca. 1895 by Manus E. Fuld (1863–1956). The company became known for its innovations in silver chloride dry cell battery technology, used in early electro-medical devices marketed for therapeutic “relief” through mild electrical stimulation. These devices—often housed in polished wooden cases—were widely sold through catalogs like Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Ward during the height of the quack medicine era.

Voltamp set up shop on the 500 block of West Franklin Street. While primarily a battery and medical device manufacturer, the company gained a new identity in the toy world after Manus E. Fuld, the owner, built an electric train in 1897 for his son, Edwin. Friends and visitors were so impressed by the quality that Fuld was encouraged to begin manufacturing them commercially. Voltamp launched its electric model train line in 1903, running that division until 1922, when it was sold to Boucher Manufacturing Co.

Today, Voltamp’s electrotherapy devices, such as the Voltamp Battery No. 3, are prized collectibles—representing a fascinating intersection of 19th-century science, emerging electricity use, and the dubious promises of early self-treatment medical devices.