Oak electrical box...no clue 1924 6V

[Antny]

I picked this up for free yesterday at the local recycling center. It measures 15" X14" X 3 3/4". Box is made of oak with glass face. Name on glass states "The Holtzer Cabot Electric Co. There are a bunch of relays with numbers on them. The schematic in the inside states that it is 6 volts (could it be phone related?) & has the year 1924 written in. I found the company info on line & it said it had made fire alarm systems and watchman's clocks...that is all I can find. No picture of it or what it may be worth.

Thanks!

 

[Mackaydon]

You have an historical item called an 'annunciator'. See pics and text here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/dalderdi/phones/annunc.htm
A most interesting article on the history of the company can be read here:
http://www.jphs.org/20thcentury/holtzer-cabot-electric-company.html
Don.....

 

[Antny]

Thanks Mack...looks like you nailed it! Funny thing is, I worked for Ma Bell & these things were gone already.

Ant.

 

[Mackaydon]

You're welcome. My experience goes back to two-party phones and phone numbers like "Wheeling 230". Prior to phones were these ennunciators; today we text; the speed of technology continues to amaze me.
Don....