This is a rare and historically significant ACE GlassFredrickcondenser, dating to the 1950s, and originating from the legendary RCA Labs in Princeton, NJ—home to breakthrough innovations in electronics, television, and defense research during the Cold War era. The unique coiled design and precision glasswork of this condenser resemble the streamlined aesthetics of mid-century scientific instrumentation. This striking piece evokes the look of a Buck Rogers-style Ray Gun—an iconic blend of vintage science and retro-futurism.
This piece dates back to the 1950s, and was hand-blown in Vineland, New Jersey. This beautifully crafted piece features a 24/40 ground glass joint, a coiled inner tube for efficient condensation, and original fittings for coolant circulation.
The Fredrick Condenser is a specialized variation of a coil condenser, named after a pioneering glass chemist. It features a coiled inner tube surrounded by a jacket for coolant circulation, designed to maximize surface area and improve condensation efficiency. Unlike traditional Graham condensers, the Fredrick design focuses on precise thermal control in high-purity applications.
This item was just steam cleaned, probably not the best time to photograph, but there is still some moisture within the unit shown in the photos.
- Provenance:From the RCA Labs/David Sarnoff Research Center, Princeton, NJ. This significantly enhances both the historical and collector value of the piece. RCA Labs was a hub of innovation in the mid-20th century, making this condenser more than just labware—it's a scientific artifact tied to American research history.
- Type:This is a rare and historically significant ACE GlassFredrickcondenser, dating to the 1950s, and originating from the legendary RCA Labs in Princeton, NJ—home to breakthrough innovations in electronics, television, and defense research during the Cold War era. The unique coiled design and precision glasswork of this condenser resemble the streamlined aesthetics of mid-century scientific instrumentation. This striking piece evokes the look of a Buck Rogers-style Ray Gun—an iconic blend of vintage science and retro-futurism.
This particular condenser features:
- Standard 24/40 ground glass joints
- Heavy-wall borosilicate construction
- Intricate internal coil design
- Artistic and scientific value
- Made in Vineland, New Jersey – the heart of American scientific glassmaking
- Frederick condenser (coil-style)
- Manufacturer:ACE Glass Inc(Vineland, NJ)
- Weight:1 pound
- Era:Circa 1950s
- Joint Size:24/40
- Material:Borosilicate lab glass
- Condition:Excellent, just steamed cleaned, no chips or cracks, some minor debris remains (see photos)
- Use:For reflux, distillation, or scientific display
This piece is not only functional labware but also a museum-worthy collector item with ties to one of America's most prolific research institutions. Ideal for display in labs, industrial design settings, or as part of a vintage technology collection.
Professionally Estimated Value:
With RCA Labs provenance:
- Collector/Institutional Value:$350 – $600
- Display or Decor Use:$400 – $700 (especially for museums, vintage tech collectors, or steampunk designers)
- Auction Start:$299.00 with reserve or BIN at $495+
- New:A identical condenser 24/40 is currently listed on Amazon for $958.02
This is a collector-grade lab artifact that would be equally at home in a university collection, mid-century industrial display, or retro lab setup. Rarely found in this condition.
Note:The first image in this listing is a computer-generated promotional graphic created for marketing and display purposes, inspired by vintage 1950s RCA Labs science fiction themes. It is not a photograph of the actual item. Please refer to the additional photos in this listing for detailed views of the exact Ace Glass 24/40 Graham Condenser being offered.
Keywords for Listing
ACE Glass, Frederick Condenser, Vintage Lab Glass, 24/40 Glassware, 1950s Scientific Equipment, Mid-century Laboratory, Steampunk Decor, Hand-Blown Glass, Vineland NJ, Science Museum, RCA Labs, RCA Astro, GE, SRI, Bell Labs, Retro Chemistry, Borosilicate Condenser.
