Sunday 9 August 2009

Von Richt's mechanical glove


Dr. Hugo Von Richt's mechanical glove for experimental Phrenoscalpoteraputic treatment - Von Richt Institution, 1860's.














And a video to show how it works...



This is probably the most complicated project I've done, I started it over a year ago, inspiered by 19th century finger exercisers, then it was put on the shelf until I finally decided to give It a go again.

It's made mostly of leather and brass. It has endless hours of grinding, filing, and sanding put into it, the hardest thing was to actually make it fit my hand, and be functional,this was achieved mostly by trial and error (and a lot pain for my fingers!) It still need some minor adjustments. But I really like how it turned out, and I hope you do too.

And I also got a flickr site now at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/curiomira You are welcome to visit.


12 comments:

  1. I'm, speechless, I don't even think I can comment on this without sounding silly. This is beautiful and inspiring and I'm blown away. I love it!

    The details are just amazing, and the brass looks so well done and aged. Ah!

    Awesome.

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  2. That's amazing... and frightening. I love it.

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  3. Looks like Freddie Krueger had a nightmare about a Chinese emperor! This is an awesome piece of work, I am particularly impressed by the articulation of the thumb.

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  4. Would you mind sharing anything more about how you did it? I'd love to make one.

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    1. Well it's a pretty straight forward but time consuming process, making templates, cutting out brass- bending/filing/sanding to shape. then drill and bolt it to the next piece and make it work (that's the hardest part)

      The ageing on the brass was done with a
      carbon peroxide/vinegar/salt mix. Be careful it's unpredictable and dangerous stuff.

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  5. Holy hell... So. AWESOME! I can see why it took some time! :D How did you make the pieces that come off of the hand and move with the springs? I see how the mechanics work, but did you form each of those pieces that pivot yourself or did you find them somewhere? I just ask because they seem to be much thicker than the rest of the hand, and Im not sure I could cut and form brass that thick. On that note, what sheet thicknesses did you use? THANKS!!

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    1. Hi, Thanks. I don't have the glove here so i'm unsure about the tickness. Those pieces are indeed handmade, cut with a jewellers saw from 2-3mm brass,took forever. I think the sheet thickness is 0,8 but i'm unsure...

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  6. I have to say this has to be one of the most awesome things I have ever see hand made. Fantastic work. I love steam-punk and this hits the nail right on the head. :D

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