CAILLE “THE LITTLE WONDER” LUNG TESTER.

CAILLE “THE LITTLE WONDER” LUNG TESTER. Rare and unusual lung tester, manufactured by Caille Brothers at the turn of the 20th Century. Dropping a penny in the slot, the person would then blow into the attached tube and thus raising the float encased in a graduated glass cylinder. Depending on the power of your lungs, you were either poor, good, or excellent. These machines at first were an attraction, but somewhat of an operational nightmare. In constant need of keeping the water level up, and even more so, the hygienics of blowing into a mouthpiece that countless people would use was somewhat disturbing. A fancy iron marquee with directions adorns the front of the oak cabinet with the rubber tube protruding from the mouth of a figure with his cheeks blown out as if he himself is testing the machine. Although similar machines have been reproduced, this is an all original example including the glass cylinder and the tin fluid container within. Only the rubber tubing, which would have disintegrated over the last 100 years and the mouthpiece have been replaced. Iron castings retain their original finish. Wood has aged restoration. SIZE: 26″ h x 10″ d x 14″ w. CONDITION: As stated above. 1-12739 (2,000-4,000)

Auction: Advertising, Toy & Doll - June 2013

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3297	$2,733.75	CAILLE “THE LITTLE WONDER” LUNG TESTER. Rare and unusual lung tester, manufactured by Caille Brothers at the turn of the 20th Century. Dropping a penny in the slot, the person would then blow into the attached tube and thus raising the float encased in a graduated glass cylinder. Depending on the power of your lungs, you were either poor, good, or excellent. These machines at first were an attraction, but somewhat of an operational nightmare. In constant need of keeping the water level up, and even more so, the hygienics of blowing into a mouthpiece that countless people would use was somewhat disturbing. A fancy iron marquee with directions adorns the front of the oak cabinet with the rubber tube protruding from the mouth of a figure with his cheeks blown out as if he himself is testing the machine. Although similar machines have been reproduced, this is an all original example including the glass cylinder and the tin fluid container within. Only the rubber tubing, which would have disintegrated over the last 100 years and the mouthpiece have been replaced. Iron castings retain their original finish. Wood has aged restoration. SIZE: 26″ h x 10″ d x 14″ w. CONDITION: As stated above. 1-12739 (2,000-4,000) Auction: Advertising, Toy & Doll - June 2013 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

.red{fill:#B50938;} .white{fill:#FFFFFF;} .blue{fill:#005596;}