Ercus, a local history society from Moerbeke in Lokeren (East Flanders), is seeking information with regard an anonymous donation it recently received. A wooden box contained a device with a bulb-like top fitted to a handle that is connected to an electricity cord. ‘This could be a 19th century vibrator,’ ponders Ercus president and historian Saskia De Schepper.
Local history society Ercus often receives donations and usually the purpose of the objects is immediately clear. In this case though the donation has led to some considerable consternation. ‘We received an electric appliance equipped with an electric cord, a handle fitted to a mysterious object,’ says historian Saskia De Schepper, who does have an inkling what it might be. She suspects it’s a 19th-century vibrator.
A vibrator is an electric device which vibrates. It is used in massage to reduce pain or to give sexual pleasure.
‘It does remind me of a 19th century device used at that time by doctors as a vibrator. It was used to get rid of so-called ‘madness in women’. But we want more information and to be absolutely certain! We are not only hoping to hear from the donor, but we also want to learn more about the device itself’.
Large collection of historical items
The local history society has already collected more than 1,000 donations. The provenance of most items is known. ‘We have a meeting at a local café once a month. Anyone can swing by for a drink and tell us stories about the local region. We also receive lots of items that come with quite a story. There are many items that refer to the local sugar factory in Moerbeke-Waas’.
Anyone who knows more about the recent donation can get in contact by emailing info@hkmw.be.