Old shopkeepers doorbell

[JoshandLila]

Hi folks! went to the antique store and traded the seth thomas clock for this antique shopkeepers doorbell. Lila had seen this a month ago and always stops and looks at it when we go in so I thought it was time I got it for her. The bell and the small attachment on the wire are brass, looks like someone painted it. Were trying to find out how it would have been attached with the springs and what the small attachment on the wire is. What do ya think? I think this is alot more interesting then the clock so its a winner either way, but if anyone has an idea what its worth or how old it is we'd love to know    THANKS!!

[JoshandLila]

dont usually like to bump my own post   but if someone has an idea how old it is we'd love to know. I know they make repros in this style but how old would an original be? silly question..had an idea to use the board its mounted to for another project.. would removing it hurt any value? not gonna be able to hang it with it on because the spike holding the bell to it sticks out the back about 2"

[talesofthesevenseas]

Way cool! Not sure of the date, it might be hard to date if you can't find a patent. I'd bet that it would have been in use for a long time, maybe late 1800's through 1920's? It reminds me of the spring mechanism on my platform rocker, which dates 1870 - 1890. That will be so neat to have on your front door! I think you made a good trade!

[talesofthesevenseas]

Found one on Ebay, this one is different than yours, but it dates to 1873 and sold for $100:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-SHOPKEEPERS-DOOR-BELL-RUSTIC-IRON-BRONZE-/170684889837

[talesofthesevenseas]

This site has three for sale and lists them as "servants bells". Selling for $139/each

http://robinsonsantiques.com/door-bells/door-bells-5-8.htm

Another that has been polished for $99, dated as "1800's"

http://www.newporttreasure.com/servlet/the-462/EARLY-PRIMITIVE-COUNTRY-GENERAL/Detail

[JoshandLila]

very cool!! thanks alot Tales. Servants bell makes sense because the could have attached a cord where the spring is and rang it from any room in the house!! We think it was a good trade too, thanks again. so it would probably be ok to remove it from the board then?

[talesofthesevenseas]

I don't think there's any value in the board, but maybe the others should weigh in on that.

[snowflake]

Very cool!

[JoshandLila]

lol, apparently I had it sideways.. the board makes more sense now  think Il leave it on there

[KC]

I have to agree that it is a very interesting piece there and that yours was used for both servant and stores.

If in great shape sell for $50 - $90.

Do think yours was attached to a door from what I can see.