Re: Unknown Horn

[Skip Burns]

Gentlemen: On return from the UK in the mid-70s, I brought back
boxes of spares, including bits and pieces acquired while searching
through the darkened aisles of old ironmonger shops and swap meets.
I miss those visits to ironmongers who never seemed to have an inventory
but could locate the odd bit, often NOS, at the drop of a hat. One of
my favorites was in Hammersmith, and it may be there that I found this
item.
Sitting on my bench now is an automobile horn of unknown make and
origin which I'd like to identify. I'm considering it as a supplement
to my TB's horn, which goes "tweet, tweet" and doesn't scare anyone.
It's driven by a 12-volt electric motor with two brushes and weighs
about 2 pounds. On one end is the motor housing and on the other is
the horn funnel or amplifier. The whole thing is roughly 9 inches long.
Five and three-quarters inches of that consists of the funnel amplifier
opposite the motor housing, the funnel being 2 inches at its narrowest
and 2 3/2 inches at its widest. On the motor end is a removable plate
which has stamped on it "Switch off Mains before removing this cover."
The word "mains," I believe, identifies this of English origin as
"mains" is not an American term. Next to the plate is a brass nut
that, when slightly loosened, allows you to rotate a paddle-shaped
lever which has stamped
on it "adjust 'on-off.'" On either side of the motor housing are two
bakelite nuts which hold two spring-loaded brushes. The horn works
beautifully, is quite loud, and makes a decidely loud "AAOOOOGAH"
sound, much like
an old model "T" or model "A". Where the attaching bolt is located are
markings "JH3." On the rim where the funnel horn attaches is stamped
"K604." If anyone can help identify this horn I'd be most
appreciative. Apologies for listing a decidely non-MG item. Cheers,
Skip (TB0304)

[Geoffrey WHEATLEY]

Sounds like a Firestation horn to me runs on 240 volts and used to call
the local Firemen to duty. I remember these as a young boy always wanted
to switch one on!
The adjustable plate was provided to assist location, I.e louder when
the horn was inside. There were usually two or three of these in any
respectable fire station. The give away is the warning to switch off the
power before.....240 volts can be an interesting experience first thing
in the morning!

Regards Geoff

[Frank O_ The Mountain]

In a message dated 12/5/99 4:02:40 AM Pacific Standard Time,
aristarcus@aol.com writes:

[Geoffrey WHEATLEY]

Now I know I'm getting old..did not notice the 12 volt information on
the horn hence my..now redundant suggestion that it was a 240 volt fire
horn...will not try to read Email at 7.30 a.m with a coffee in hand any
more...I think I will now quietly fade away!

Regards Geoff

[Ray McCrary]

Hi all,
The described item is actually a rare, WW2 British submarine diving alert.
To switch off mains, one simply stopped the diesel engines, and went to
battery power.
The horn drew so much amperage from the charging system, that it caused
engine failure on several English subs, causing the boats to be lost at sea
(in one case, actually, in harbor). Hence, the mains had to be switched off
before removing the cover under with the arming circuitry was located. This
was a safety device, designed to minimize loss of life aboard one of HM
ships.
This horn can still be used if you live with in 2 miles of a nuclear power
plant, and they agree to ship total output to your house for utilization of
the "horn".
In addition, advance notice is required to the FAA before horn discharge, to
prevent damage to aircraft below 31,000 feet within 29 miles.
Hope this helps!!
Best Regards,

Ray McCrary
"Speed is Life;
of course Luck and Altitude
are helpful, too."

----- Original Message -----
From: "Skip Burns"
To:
Sent: Sunday, December 05, 1999 6:02 AM
Subject: [mg-tabc] Unknown Horn


> Gentlemen: On return from the UK in the mid-70s, I brought back
> boxes of spares, including bits and pieces acquired while searching
> through the darkened aisles of old ironmonger shops and swap meets.
> I miss those visits to ironmongers who never seemed to have an inventory
> but could locate the odd bit, often NOS, at the drop of a hat. One of
> my favorites was in Hammersmith, and it may be there that I found this
> item.
> Sitting on my bench now is an automobile horn of unknown make and
> origin which I'd like to identify. I'm considering it as a supplement
> to my TB's horn, which goes "tweet, tweet" and doesn't scare anyone.
> It's driven by a 12-volt electric motor with two brushes and weighs
> about 2 pounds. On one end is the motor housing and on the other is
> the horn funnel or amplifier. The whole thing is roughly 9 inches long.
> Five and three-quarters inches of that consists of the funnel amplifier
> opposite the motor housing, the funnel being 2 inches at its narrowest
> and 2 3/2 inches at its widest. On the motor end is a removable plate
> which has stamped on it "Switch off Mains before removing this cover."
> The word "mains," I believe, identifies this of English origin as
> "mains" is not an American term. Next to the plate is a brass nut
> that, when slightly loosened, allows you to rotate a paddle-shaped
> lever which has stamped
> on it "adjust 'on-off.'" On either side of the motor housing are two
> bakelite nuts which hold two spring-loaded brushes. The horn works
> beautifully, is quite loud, and makes a decidely loud "AAOOOOGAH"
> sound, much like
> an old model "T" or model "A". Where the attaching bolt is located are
> markings "JH3." On the rim where the funnel horn attaches is stamped
> "K604." If anyone can help identify this horn I'd be most
> appreciative. Apologies for listing a decidely non-MG item. Cheers,
> Skip (TB0304)
>
>
>
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