Chain Drive Mag

[the phone house]

Can anyone help ID this Chain Drive Mag....

[Bill]

Fascinating!

There are quite a few numbers stamped into the lower edge of the box. Can read them to us, or post a photo?

At first I thought it was just a ringer plus a magneto in a box, but there is an induction coil in there as well. Can you find a number on the coil?

Assuming that the crank is above the magneto shaft, the purpose would be to whirl that little 3-bar magneto much faster than the crank speed, presumably to get more voltage out of it - something that never occurred to me.

Can't wait to hear the answer.

Bill

[LarryInMichigan]

That magneto was tested 116 years ago!  It would make sense that the magneto speed needed to be increased to ring through 10,000 ohms.

Larry

[the phone house]

No marks or numbers on coil or mag.....

[the phone house]

More photos of Chain Drive Mag, there are no marking on the Mag or Coil, Top Binding post are marked 1,2,3,4B,B,5.....Should i restor the wood box or leave as is??

[Sargeguy]

It shouldn't be too hard to restore, provided the magneto works, you just need the bell mounts, bells and screws.

[wds]

i vote for restore.  Those are some great looking boxes. 

[Doug Rose]

These are a tough find. I have one with a the chain drive and nickel jingle bells with a leather strap for carrying. One of my favorites. I agree with Dave, restore it. This will look amazing when you are finished....Doug

[wds]

A 3rd option is give me one of those boxes!

[HowardPgh]

It is interesting that the center contact of the armature is contacted by a metal strip mounted on the side  of the box.

[Doug Rose]

Here are some pics, its  an Holtzer Cabot made in Boston. It is heavy, really heavy. Leather strap still is secure, but shows its age. No. I do not dare use the strap. This is one of my favorite tools. The chain drive is just so smooth. It is the only chain magneto I have ever seen in person. Nickel jingle bells and zoom in on the great cloth wires. I found it at a Flea market in Maine 7 or 8 years ago.

"$20 FIRM".....okay!

This is just as found, I just wiped of the dirt. Really amazing shape considering this bounced around in a truck. Don't you love the cut outs for the jingle bells....Doug

[HarrySmith]

Very Cool Doug! The wrench on the door is a nice touch, what is supposed to be in the brass holder where you have the key?

[Doug Rose]

Very Cool Doug! The wrench on the door is a nice touch, what is supposed to be in the brass holder where you have the key?

Harry....I thought is was to hold the key, but I have no idea if it should have been something else. I was amazed that it came with the key!....Doug

[Jim Stettler]

maybe a screwdriver holder?
Just a guess
Jim