Call Bell

Victorian battery-operated invalid call bell / turned wood with bone elements, nickel-plated brass fixtures, copper wire / c. 1890s

By unrolling this bell-topped wooden spool of cloth-covered electrical wire, a caretaker could remove him or herself to another room, waiting to be summoned by his or her charge who could ring the bell by depressing the bone button at the other end of the wire. The wooden case originally contained a heavy dry cell battery which powered the bell. The piece does function if a proper replacement battery could be found to fit inside, but even silent the object is an evocative and beautiful piece of Victorian gadgetry.

Condition

Good antique condition with a chip at the edge of the lip below the bell and minor wear to the cloth-covered cord.

Measurements

Approximately 12 inches tall.

Shipping

Free in the continental United States. If an international buyer, please contact me for a shipping estimate by clicking here.