ARKU Violet Ray — Purple Velvet & Pictured Glass
A restored German ARKU in its original faux-crocodile case and deep-purple lining, with spiral, roller and other pictured glass electrodes. An atmospheric, characterful set graded Used – fair.

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Device description
Equipment, restoration & condition wording · captured 1 November 2026. Enquire about current availability and exact inclusions.
A closer look.
Purple velvet and a serious presence
The ARKU makes its impression before you reach for a control. The original faux-crocodile case, deep-purple lining and broad display of glass give the whole arrangement a wonderful richness. The dark transformer housing and handpiece provide a strong centre, while the electrode shapes lead the eye around the case. It feels like a small cabinet of electrical curiosities gathered into one instrument.
I am especially drawn to the spiral and roller electrodes. They add their own sculptural qualities beside the comb, mushroom and probe forms. Glass, fabric and dark fittings work together here in a way that makes the engineering feel almost theatrical.
German high-frequency character
This German ARKU has its original Bakelite transformer housing and fittings, with a 220–240 V supply and UK plug. The wand and varied glass bring the high-frequency design into view, while the fitted case gives each component a place. The fascination is in how much thought is concentrated into that portable arrangement.
My restoration notes and condition
My restoration notes describe servicing, cleaning and testing, including insulation, resistance and leakage checks, together with a restored power lead. The overall condition is Used – fair. The case and fittings have age and character, and I like an old apparatus to retain that sense of a life already lived. Spend some time with the photographs: the purple lining and the individual glass forms have a presence all their own.
The pictured set
The ARKU comes with its original case, pictured electrode selection and restored and tested power lead. The spiral and roller are included. It is exactly the kind of apparatus that makes me wonder how much patient ingenuity went into the details we now overlook: a curve in a glass tube, a fitting shaped to sit just so, a case designed around the whole idea. A memorable machine with plenty to study and appreciate.
Condition: Used – fair.
Original condition and restoration details
“Rare spiral and roller electrodes included”
“Original Bakelite transformer housing”
“Insulation, resistance & leakage tested”
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