Klaxon - Etienne Teste - Testophone 2079

The object presented is a multi-tone audible warning device with mechanical control from the Le Testophone brand, based on the Etienne Teste system, manufactured in France circa 1905-1910. This exemplar, bearing serial number 2079, consists of four brass trumpets of increasing lengths connected to a central cylindrical air distributor.

The body of the device is richly engraved with international patent mentions (France S.G.D.G, England 1908, Canada 1909, Belgium, Mexico, USA), which attests to the technical importance of this mechanism at the time of the transition to mass motorization. The system allowed, via a rotary selector with a toothed wheel still visible on the side, to produce a succession of notes forming a simple melody or a chord, typical of luxury accessories for automobiles of the Belle Époque.

Condition and observations
Materials: Brass and copper alloys.
Structure: The set of four horns is present. There are signs of natural oxidation, a dark patina and a few minor deformations on the edges of the horns (visible in the photos).
Defects and damage: The object shows a significant missing part: one of the closing covers of the main cylinder is absent, leaving the internal mechanism partially exposed. A perforation is also to be noted on one of the tubings, requiring welding repair.