Any ideas on this bell?
Jim,
You didn't give us the size, nor is the "guts" picture detailed enough to see what's in there--it looks a bit like a mount to a bracket and an air or electric powered striker. This type of bell (without the top lamp piece) was used on early Diesel locomotives. Such a bell would be about 18" in diameter (guess based on memory).
Jim, I've had several of these through the years. They were made by "The Liberty Bell Co." and are usually stamped on the outside of the bell around the middle section of it, you may have to clean it to see it. It will probably have a patent date of 1898. They were used in a variety of ways. I've seen them used on boats, door bells, and they are often adapted to radiator caps for fire chief's cars and fire trucks, etc. It will work off a 6 volt battery.
Larry
There is a small one that I have see in period catalogs that mounted on the radiator cap.
Your "clapper" is nuts.
Here's one with the eagle instead of the 4 sided light, they came both ways.
OK That's the mount not the clapper.
Jim,
These were an aftermarket accessory. They were often installed on radiator caps, or the tops of front fenders. They were electric and operated by a push button. When the button was pushed the bell rang much like an old door bell. They also had a light behind the jewel for illumination at night. My father's had an eagle on the top of the bell. His was nickle plated and quite ornate
If you decided to let it go I would love to make a deal with you. My dad had one many years ago and I always had a hankering to find one.
I'm the other guy in Maltby with a model t.
brasscarguy
brasscarguy,
If Jim is not interested in selling his, I have one I can part with. It can be attached to a radiator cap or fender mounted. I'm pretty sure I have an original fender mount for it also. Let me know and I can email you pictures and a price.
Larry
brasscarguy-- bell is available. Call me 360-410-0103
Larry, if it is still up for grabs could you email me a couple pics and price? Send me a PM and we can go from there.
Here is full page adv. of the various Liberty Bell accessories. From 1918 catalog, Chas. E. Miller Co., NY