Bidspirit auction | Pat. 1892 The Bristol Bell

Pat. 1892 The Bristol Bell Company Manual Mechanical Fire Alarm Bell - This mechanical industrial alarm bell was produced by The Bristol Bell Co. in Bristol, Connecticut. The device is constructed with a large cast brass gong and a frame assembly made of painted cast iron and steel. The unit is designed for wall mounting via an L-shaped heavy steel bracket. On the exterior base plate, surrounding the central axle, is a cast embossed mark reading THE BRISTOL BELL CO BRISTOL CT OLD FORGE. The internal mechanism consists of a central gear and a spring-loaded hammer assembly. Pulling the vertical lever rotates the gears, causing the internal hammers to repeatedly strike the brass gong. Inside the gong housing, there is an embossed mark reading PAT JULY 14 91 APRIL 26 92 NO 3, signifying patent dates of July 14, 1891, and April 26, 1892. The vertical lever has a welded extension handle. Gong Diameter: 8 inches Base Plate Width: 6 inches Lever Length: 11 inches. The cast brass gong exhibits a natural aged patina with visible green verdigris spotting (photo 6). The olive-green paint on the cast iron frame is heavily chipped and worn (photo 1). Significant oxidation and surface rust are present on the steel mounting bracket and the lever assembly (photo 1). The internal mechanical components, including the spring and gears, appear complete and intact, though they are covered in dust and accumulated grime (photo 11). The manual pull-lever has been modified with a welded repair or extension at the handle joint (photo 1).