ANTIQUE POLICE EMERGENCY CALL BOX TELEPHONE TELEGRAP (03/14/2011)...

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ANTIQUE POLICE EMERGENCY CALL BOX TELEPHONE TELEGRAPH

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ANTIQUE POLICE EMERGENCY CALL BOX TELEPHONE TELEGRAPH

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Sold Date: 03/14/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

Up for auction is a magnificent Police Signal (Emergency) Call Box from the early 1900's! I am consigning this for a retired Denver Metro Policeman as it has been part of his personal collection for some years now.. He tested it in front of me and it still operates well! Has both keys to the outer and inner doors. The present owner also informed me that he had recently repainted the box because the previous paint, which was also blue but a shade lighter, had worn quite a bit.. Inner mechanisms have a Patent date of Aug. 7,1907. This signal box was manufactured by "L.W BILLS, Lexington, Mass.". Measures approx. 12 1/4"w x 21 1/4"h x 7 3/4"d and weighs around 45lbs.. Casing is made of cast metal and brass. Telephone receiver has a recessed extension cord that extends from the box. This is a very rare collectable and in very nice condition! Starting the bid extremely low and letting the bidders determine its value.. No "Buy it Now". Good luck and please ask all questions prior to bidding. Thank you.

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Additional Note From Present Owner: "I had this call box on display in my house for many years as part of my collection of police relics. Children and adults were fascinated by it, especially when I operated the telegraph mechanism, which was used to call for a paddy wagon, ring the station, or for other services, (Ambulance, fire, etc.) without having to talk on the phone. The beat cop in those days would open the front door of the box, move the indicator arrow on the upper brass panel to the function he required, then pull down the lever directly below the panel. This wound the telegraph mechanism, and sent a coded message to HQ. The signal operator at HQ would then send the paddy wagon, sergeant, or other service. The code would be a series of dots and dashes, always ending with the call box number. Included will be a listing of the codes as well as both door keys. The telegraph mechanism is inside the inner door, which is opened with a key. It is the round brass machine with the glass cover. The center of it is the camshaft, which has lobes to operate the telegraph key while it rotates. You can watch the telegraph work, and listen to the mechanical sound. This could easily be wired to a battery operated buzzer, or light, to further demonstrate its function. There is also enough room inside for a pint bottle, which will elicit some interesting comments." L. W. Bills reportedly started with the Gamewell Co., and in the 1920's, formed his own company, which is still in business. Their website shows their museum, including some of the old call boxes.