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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: JeanneCurt on September 26, 2011, 07:59:54 AM

Title: Can anyone tell me what this round chime was used for?
Post by: JeanneCurt on September 26, 2011, 07:59:54 AM

Hi,
I have another item that I can't seem to find any information on.  This is a round metal ball that might be made of brass.  A magnet doesn't stick to it.  It is 5" high and 3 1/4" in diameter and weighs a little over 1 pound.

When the little round metal things inside hit the inside of the ball it is a chiming kind of sound like a wind chime .  It has a hole in the piece that is on the top so I don't know if it would hang but then it also had what looks like a mounting screw on the bottom.

I would appreciate any help!
Thanks,
Jeanne

Title: Re: Can anyone tell me what this round chime was used for?
Post by: wendy177 on September 26, 2011, 09:19:29 AM

I believe your object is a piece from this type of call bell. 
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-victorian-silverplate-call-bell-1880s
http://www.nj.com/homegarden/design/index.ssf/2007/11/antiques.html
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-rolling-ball-hotel-lobby-desk-bell

Lets see what the others think  ;)

Title: Re: Can anyone tell me what this round chime was used for?
Post by: hosman321 on September 26, 2011, 09:52:28 AM

Good job Wendy!

Title: Re: Can anyone tell me what this round chime was used for?
Post by: snowflake on September 26, 2011, 02:51:26 PM

What a neat item! Great links, Wendy. It's so nice to learn the use and history of these neat gadgets we find.