Klaxon - Etienne Teste - Testophone 2079
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Description from the seller
The object presented is a multi-tone sounder 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 horns of increasing lengths connected to a central cylindrical air distributor.
The body of the device is richly engraved with references to international patents (France S.G.D.G, England 1908, Canada 1909, Belgium, Mexico, USA), attesting 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 cogwheel still visible on the side, to produce a sequence of notes forming a simple melody or a chord, typical of luxury automotive accessories of the Belle Époque.
State of conservation and observations
Materials: brass and copper alloys.
Structure: All four horns are present. There are traces of natural oxidation, a dark patina and a few minor deformations along the edges of the horns (visible in the photographs).
Defects and damage: The object shows a significant deficiency: one of the closing caps of the main cylinder is missing, leaving the internal mechanism partially exposed. A perforation is also to be noted on one of the tubulars, requiring welding repair.
The object presented is a multi-tone sounder 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 horns of increasing lengths connected to a central cylindrical air distributor.
The body of the device is richly engraved with references to international patents (France S.G.D.G, England 1908, Canada 1909, Belgium, Mexico, USA), attesting 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 cogwheel still visible on the side, to produce a sequence of notes forming a simple melody or a chord, typical of luxury automotive accessories of the Belle Époque.
State of conservation and observations
Materials: brass and copper alloys.
Structure: All four horns are present. There are traces of natural oxidation, a dark patina and a few minor deformations along the edges of the horns (visible in the photographs).
Defects and damage: The object shows a significant deficiency: one of the closing caps of the main cylinder is missing, leaving the internal mechanism partially exposed. A perforation is also to be noted on one of the tubulars, requiring welding repair.
Details
Type
Klaxon
Number of objects
1
Brand
Etienne Teste
Condition
Reasonable
Model
Testophone 2079
Authenticity
Original/official
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