Antique Gamewell Indicator Gong and Fire Alarm Box Demonstration

This fire alarm telegraph system was used in fire stations to tell firemen where the fire alarm box was located. When the box (in this case number 47) was pulled, a code wheel turned and cut out the electrical current, causing the bell to ring out the code. The firemen could then look up the number to determine the intersection of the box alarm. This is a rare indicator box that would also show a numerical display of the box number. Both the box and gong shown here are over 100 years old and still function perfectly. In the first part of the video you can see the inner workings of the indicator. In the second half you can see the inner workings of the box with the code wheel turning in the center.

[@RichardBooth-vu2oy]

Years ago I had an indicator and gong like that setup along with 4 Gamewell antique pull boxes all in working condition. Sold it all when I got married.

[@southernoregoncatmom6519]

That is very cool!

[@ronjohnsonjr.2662]

Im very impressed this is a working bell and indicator. I've never seen it in action! I love this you have a real gem

[@crystallake6198]

Wow! I've never seen an indicator box like this. Our department still has a telegraph based box system. But it uses the punch tape at each station.

[@ex-missourifireexplorerrob8274]

VERY cool; on the inside of the gong & pull box, I saw a small "arm," pivoting up & down, right above one of the wheels, which reminded me of a counter-weight used in watches, wondering if it is sort of the same, in these cog ran systems?

[@laceybarbee5553]

Reminds me of a cuckoo clock

[@wigwagstudios2474]

YEAHHHH

[@javonbrandon]

What was the numbers for was it a code back then

[@trentinman3745]

Curious if you have any idea how to make a Gamewell Gong go off using a 12v alarm lead from an alarm box?