Bell System Alarm Relay, circa 1960

01

Artifact Overview

Connected to a telephone, this signal relay could extend typical ringtones. It amplified the volume of ringing, and distinctive tones could be created for incoming calls: chimes, horns, and vibrating bells. A system like this was useful in loud industrial settings and large spaces.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Electronic alarm system

Date Made

circa 1960

Creator Notes

Made for Bell System division of Western Electric Company.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2014.0.17.159

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Ceramic (Material)
Iron alloy
Leather
Plastic
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 24 in
Width: 10 in
Length: 27 in

Inscriptions

ringer cover: BELL SYSTEM / MADE BY WESTERN ELECTRIC instruction sheet: TRIAL INSTRUCTION NO. 102 / ISSUE 1, APRIL 8, 1957 / . . . CONNECTIONS FOR USE OF F-52510 RINGER WITH F-51910 TELEPHONE SET