[Boatanchors] ID an old Edison battery

[Carl Huether]

I believe that is close Chuck.

Its in a metal can with a hinged lid, painted Olive Drab. Inside the can is
a three cell battery, no corrosion. The tag on top reads:
SIGNAL CORPS US ARMY
Edison Storage Battery
Type B.B. 4
Order No.41705 Date Feb.27,1918
Edison Storage Battery Co.
Orange NJ

What would be the application for such a device in 1918? Telephone or
blinker light signaling?

The overall case dimensions are 9.5" H , 6" W, 4"D.
There are 2 mounting brackets on the back.

Any value or just an oddity to put next to my old battery radios?

Thanks
Carl

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck McGregor" <cbmcg@attbi.com>
To: <km1h@jeremy.mv.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2002 9:28 PM
Subject: Fwd: Re: [Boatanchors] ID an old Edison battery


>
> Scrap that line where I describe the battery plates as copper oxide and
> zinc....I was reading two separate references.
> The other info is from one apparently consistent source.
> I see the battery described elsewhere as "nickel-iron-alkaline"
> --Chuck
>
>
>
>
> >Carl -
> >I found some specs for an Edison Storage Cell, type B-4  In Hawkins'
> >Electrical Guide Vol 4  dated 1919
> >
> >Normal output           80 AmpereHours
> >Maximum output  95 AH
> >Normal discharge rate   16A  (for 5 hours)
> >Average cell voltage    1.2 V  (normal discharge)
> >Normal charge rate      16A  (for 7 hours)
> >Maximum charge rate     100A  (short time boosting charge only)
> >Can dimensions  2-5/8 x 5-1/8 x 7-13/16 inches
> >Weight          7.4 lbs
> >
> >Cell case nickel plated sheet steel, welded seams, corrugated for
strength
> >Plates are copper oxide and zinc  with hard rubber separators
> >Electrolyte " 21% solution of potash ( potassium carbonate) in distilled
> >water with a small percent of lithia".
> >Electrolyte density does not change with state of charge.
> >These cells were often grouped together in a wooden rack to provide a
> >battery of whatever voltage was required.
> >
> >Hope this is useful to you.
> >
> >--Chuck  N7RHU
>
>