Fire alarm call boxes were devices widely used in the US for notifying a fire department of a fire. Typically installed on street corners, they were the main means of summoning firefighters before the general availability of telephones.

When the box is activated by pulling down the handle a spring-loaded wheel turns, tapping out a pulsed electrical signal corresponding to the box's number, which on this example is number 52. 

A receiver at fire headquarters annunciates the pulses through flashing lights or tones and the box number is matched to a list of box locations. While there are still quite a few modern versions in use, many communities have removed them, relying instead on the widespread availability of landlines and mobile telephones.

Cities like San Francisco still rely heavily on fire alarm boxes in case of emergency and some municipalities still maintain their boxes near schools and other sensitive locations. 

We’re not sure where this one was originally located but it’s a fine example, exhibiting a fabulously aged patina and enormous character. It's the perfect accessory or conversation piece for the wall of your kitchen or games room…