Klaxon - Etienne Teste - Testophone 2079
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Description from the seller
The object presented is a multi-tone mechanical-operated siren (audible device) by the brand Le Testophone, based on the Etienne Teste system, manufactured in France around 1905-1910. This specimen, 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 mentions of international patents (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 sequence of notes forming a simple melody or a chord, typical of luxury automotive accessories of the Belle Époque.
Condition and observations
Materials: Brass and copper alloys.
Structure: All four bells are present. Natural oxidation traces, a dark patina, and a few minor deformations along the edges of the bells are noticeable (visible in the photos).
Defects and damage: The object shows a significant missing part: one of the closing caps of the main cylinder is absent, leaving the internal mechanism partially exposed. A perforation is also to be noted on one of the tube connections, requiring weld repair.
The object presented is a multi-tone mechanical-operated siren (audible device) by the brand Le Testophone, based on the Etienne Teste system, manufactured in France around 1905-1910. This specimen, 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 mentions of international patents (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 sequence of notes forming a simple melody or a chord, typical of luxury automotive accessories of the Belle Époque.
Condition and observations
Materials: Brass and copper alloys.
Structure: All four bells are present. Natural oxidation traces, a dark patina, and a few minor deformations along the edges of the bells are noticeable (visible in the photos).
Defects and damage: The object shows a significant missing part: one of the closing caps of the main cylinder is absent, leaving the internal mechanism partially exposed. A perforation is also to be noted on one of the tube connections, requiring weld repair.
Details
Type
Klaxon
Number of objects
1
Brand
Etienne Teste
Condition
Reasonable
Model
Testophone 2079
Authenticity
Original/official
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