Posted 12 years ago
Makenzie514
(1 item)
Ok so i think i know what it is used for. It has 20 small electro magnets on the back. When the current hit the copper coil it will pull the pin down releasing the arrow so that it points to the corresponding number. Along with the arrow the bell will ring to notify who ever. That is were i am lost. Is this for a hotel, hospital, upscale restaurant? The only information i can find is ( on the top) "The Knapp" (On the bottom) "Montana electric co." This item was found in Butte Montana. Any help would be appreciated.
Elevator?
I don't think its for an elevator, because it is only set up for the electrical signal to go one way. After the arrow points to the number, you then pull the knob at the bottom to reset it. Thanks for the guess tho.
I would say a hotel, hospital or something similar.
Found something similar from the UK , they call them a electric indicator board, they operated with a switch in the room & ran on 12 volt.
http://www.belowstairs.co.uk/acatalog/Antique%20Electric%20Indicator%20Board%20IB194.jpg
I would contact the Montana Historical Society, they may have info on "The Knapp" or the "Montana Electric Company"
http://mhs.mt.gov/
Another resource is the City directories that were published, look at the major cities/counties of Montana from early 1900.
This is a Hotel annunciator see my posting here;
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/101625-hotel-annunciator-circa-1900#comment-412928