Antique Crouse Hinds Police Phone Call Box W Light R (02/03/2011)...

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Antique Crouse Hinds Police Phone Call Box W Light RARE

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Antique Crouse Hinds Police Phone Call Box W Light RARE

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Sold Date: 02/03/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

This auction is for a very rare Crouse Hinds Police Call Box that was used in Jeannette, Pa. in the days before 2 way radio was common. Most alarm boxes are made by Gamewell, but this was made by Crouse-Hinds and is much less common. The box is in original, unrestored condition and is in great and workable shape as it is currently. The original key is included to lock the box in case your local neighborhood hoodlums try to make calls from it! The box opens to allow access to the telephone handset inside, which was directly wired to City Hall. The handset, made by Western Electric, is mounted on a small wooden back panel, which is attached to the metal case. The cord which attaches the handset to the base still seems to be in good condition, although there are a few twists in it (like any coiled phone cord seems to get). There is a lightbulb inside, which is enclosed in it's original protective cage. On the top of the call box is the spot where an optional red light would be connected (not included). Here is how it worked. Since 2 way radios weren't common at the time, there would be these police call boxes mounted on phone poles throughout the city (much like old fire call boxes). When City Hall needed a patrolman to make a call, the red light on top and the light inside would light up. When the patrolman saw this, he knew he had to contact city hall. He would go to the call box, open it and pick up the phone, which was connected directly to the dispatch office. The office would then relay the call to the patrolman. The allowed the patrolmen to spend their time on the streets and not running back and forth to the police station. The phone still has the "Police" name in the center of the area where the dial would be and is original to the piece. The light bulb on the inside is original and has its original protective mesh cage surrounding it, although I haven't tested the bulb to see if it still works. Police call boxes are hard to find unless you are in a big city, they weren't found too often in smaller towns due to their costs. When 2 way radios became the standard, the call boxes were doomed to be obsolete. This police call box has not been cleaned or restored in any way...I'll leave the decision and task to the next owner. Please look carefully at the pictures to get a better idea of the nice shape and condition this old timer is still in...you just don't see these too often and they make a unique telephone that can still be used today! Shipping weight is approx 18 Lbs.
Payments are accepted using Paypal and Visa. Cash is accepted for face to face deliveries. Delivery is via USPS Priority service, please add $2.60 per $100 coverage ($1.30 per $50) if insurance is desired. Please advise me if alternate postal delivery is desired. Multiple auctions may be combined with notification from the buyer to do so. No refunds from lost/stolen items will be considered without insurance coverage. Returns are not typically considered unless there is damage or other mitigating factors...buyer's remorse is not a valid reason. Any returns must be shipped with adequate insurance and shipped at the buyer's expense unless otherwise agreed to. Overseas delivery will be done at actual costs. This auction is a contract and by bidding on the item you agree to abide by the provisions stated. Pa residents will need to add 6% sales tax. I apologize for all of the legal mumbo-jumbo, but it only takes one or two bad apples to ruin everything, so I had to include this stuff to protect myself as well as the buyer. Scam artists and scam attempts will be reported to the authorities for prosecution to the full extent of any laws that pertain to it. As always, feel free to ask any questions. THANK YOU FOR BIDDING!!