Streetcar bell on older cars

[bdtutton]

When i first started looking at early brass cars I noticed that many had bells that operated with a foot button. I was told the bells were for use in the city because the horses were familiar with trolly bells, but were startled by the squeeze bulb horns. I was wondering how long these bells were in use and why I don't see them for sale very often. Does anyone know the history of these bells?? The car I am restoring was built in late 1913 and I was wondering if this is something people were still adding to their cars at that time.

[Wayne Sheldon]

Commonly called a Bermuda bell, they were mostly used on earlier cars, think 1905 and earlier. However, they were still being sold as after-market accessories for automobiles into the late 1910s. So if you want one on your 1913, as an after-market accessory, it wouldn't be really wrong.

[DanTreace]

As Wayne posted. Here are some pictures, in older post.


http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/128544.html


Most have threaded post pedal, you mount the bell under the floorboard, and press down firmly and quickly release for a loud “Ding-Dong” sound. Can be heard very well. Some have loose removable pedal posts, with the foot pad having a hole on the edge for a chain so it doesn’t get lost. Have one on my ‘27 and it’s fun for the wife to tap and sound off.

They made a come back in the 1950’s when modern repro were sold by J C Whitney, so some 50s cars used them too.

[Dropacent]

Shameless plug, I posted one for sale last night.