Interesting Door Bell Mechanical Box - Why?
 

I just bought a 95 year old house and this box is located in the basement. It is not connected to anything except the input electrical is connected but nothing connected to the door bell.

I'm wondering why all this for a door bell. It looks like some type of timer or maybe it operated some type of chimes - I have no idea. Just thought I would share and see if anyone understands why this was.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1735327367.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1735327429.jpg

The blueprint would make pretty cool wall art behind glass.

At one time door bells became a type of "sophisticated" status symbol but electronics and electromechanical actuations were not what they are today.

https://www.electrachime.net/long-bell-chimes/pre-1950-tubular-chimes/deagan-westminster-doorbell-chime/

Your link contains a chime schematic by J.C. Deagan the same company on Tidybouy's pictured schematic. Both dated 1936?

I've come to the conclusion (theory) that the timer looking thing probably spins at a prescribed rate and is the duration of the ring (chime). and each contact probably connects one of the chimes.

Hello, I have seen only one of these units before. It is a doorbell melody player/selector. Are you interested in selling it? I collect chimes and this is something I’ve been looking for in my collection.

Hi. Yes, I have seen only one of these in person. It connected to 5 chimes notes - the unit was an enclosed wooden box that hung on the wall and had 6 wires going to it and metal bars on the front. These bell units were notorious for not working, and because they were sealed boxes, they were not repairable, so many got thrown out. Do you still have that unit? I collect chimes and other mechanical things like this, and would love to add it to my collection. Thanks