Everything you ever wanted to know about annunciators

 I have always had an interest in antique annunciators.  Ever since I was a kid and saw my very first wood buzzer in the James J Hill house I wanted to know more.  The annunciators were first introduced in homes in Europe in the late 1700s.  At this time it was simply pulls in each room which connected to cables that would then ring to a large bell station in the kitchen,

This however required one to look at which bell was moving most recently to discern which room needed assistance.  A better system had to be invented.  When the battery was first invented in 1800 uses for the technology took off in many forms.  The telegraph to name one.  The battery also allowed a newer and better way for annunciators.  With the battery one could use a single box and use waving flags or moving boxes to indicate which room required assistance which was much easier.  Here are numerous images of annunciators and also early burglar alarms.

Stunning 1889 burglar alarm restored!

Catalog examples

The lever on the bottom is to reset after the room buzzer is pressed the needle remains up until reset.

Look at the choices one had with a hotel annunciator as to any need. Perfect to let them know exactly what you need before the advent of the phone:

Window man? What you can call to get your windows washed? Sign me up!!1

Hotel annunciator and burglar alarm in 1!

So lots of examples...
Few more points.  The below example and one above are examples of American call boxes.  Typically they had magnetic arrows that raised the arrow. Then the reset button would need to be pulled.

Below are European examples where the flags simply shake back and fourth when the circuit is closed via push of the call button.

Now what if I'm at the dining room table and I need more wine but I don't want to get up from my chair?  I need something to simply tap my foot. Oh here it is:

The floor key could also be removed and wired to put the push button on the underside of the table.  I have yet to decide which option I'll pick when I get to the dining room.

What if you love your bell box but you think it's just a little too loud?  Simply put it in another highly decorative case and you're set!

Lastly an interesting read from Western Electrician 1888.

Chapter XXXVIII.
Push Buttons.

The range of style, shape and construction of push buttons is almost limitless. They are made both in wood and

quently by needles which change from their normal position when they are actuated by the closing of a circuit, as indicated in Fig. 50, where it is plain the attendant is desired in the auditor's office, and Kig. 51 where calls are recorded from rooms 9, 29 and 50; frequently the call is recorded by a drop or shutter which normally is in a nearly vertical position but when the circuit is closed by pressure on a push button the drop falls and discloses a number or name.

In the illustration shown, each individual annunciator, as distinguished from the whole instrument which is also

called an annunciator, consists of a little electro-magnet, and an armature which is attracted when circuit is made by pressing the corresponding push button; as soon as the armature moves, a little lever is released which turns over by its own weight and moves the pointer on the face of the annanciator. A vibrating bell connected in the return wire, leading to the battery, rings at the same time After the attendant has noted who has called, he moves a lever on the bottom of the annunciator box which pushes the little lever again in its place so it is held by the armature of the electromagnet. There are innumerable constructions but the principle is the same in almost all of them.

Close up of illustrations :

Eventually annunciators made their way out of the homes with the demise of the servant. The concept however still survives today although in of course different modes and requirements. Can't think of much else to say on the subject.  Anyone have any thoughts or additions?

Also if you know where I can find a floor buzzer key let me know.  Mine seems to be missing a few pieces. 

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