ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Electrical Nostalgia Brass Cover Plate

A Methodist Church, built here in 1971, used a number of these little despard devices along with pilot lights (red, green and blue) for a signaling system in the sanctuary. Each of SIX stations had three switches on one yoke an three signal lights on another yoke, and the entire affair mounted on a plaster ring in a 1900 box. The red, blue, or green signal could be turned off or on from any of the six locations (the wiring for all this must have been a real gem). The system was used to send siganls to different parts of the sanctuary - pulpit, organ, sacristy, bride's dressing room, usher's room, and a sound/lighting control room (i.e. red light on = finish the sermon, preacher, the game starts in 15 minutes ).

Mike (mamills)

Hello, I'm new to the board with my first post.
This looks like a plate to a P&S "duo" switch from the 1930's. Similar to Despard.
I have one of these switches in my relic collection but it is a "trio" switch. I also have a P&S catalog from 1930 I found at a garage sale awhile ago and it shows this switch.
I'm in construction and as a general contractor, I've taken a liking to old electrical items and scrounged boxes full of electrical relics from remodels and demolitions. I'll start sharing them if you all are interested.

Of course we are interested! We all LOVE to look at oictures of old electric stuff!
Please post them!

Please send your pictures to the webmaster or one of the moderators.

cschow:
First of all, WELCOME TO ECN. I'm sure you'll find yourself in good company here. The people here are outstanding!

Pictures of vintage electric stuff is fascinating. By all means, please send in some pix. If you have any information as to its origin, or how you came to acquire it, that would be interesting as well .

Mike (mamills)