probably made in London
This permanent magnet, with a keeper to help it retain its magnetism, was made around 1800, and retailed by W. & S. Jones, scientific instrument makers based in London.
The battery of seven horse-shoe magnets joined together at similar poles, is entirely encased in a brass sheet engraved 'W. & S. JONES /30 Holborn/ LONDON'. The steel keeper has an eye from which hangs a steel hook, to enable items to be hung off it: and there is a hanging eye at the top of the magnet.
In a price list for 1799, this item was priced at £6-6-0 (£6.30). Magnetic experiments were popular demonstrations, either in formal classes or as drawing room entertainment. The horse-shoe shaped magnet (such as this example) brings the opposing poles adjacent to each other, increasing attractive power and the weight-supporting capacity.
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.