Servant's indicator box

Situated in the service area of the mansion 'Mintaro', this device was used to signal staff for attention. A press of a button in a remote room causes an electric current to flow, which moves a small vane behind the glass, displaying a dot in the appropriate window. The call stays active until it is manually reset with the rod on the right hand side of the box. Manufactured by T. C. Hyde of Richmond, who was making such products since at least 1877, it is possible that this indicator box and installation happened 130+ years ago as the house was built. Inset shows detail of a call button in an upstairs room. Note also the disused gas lamp fitting to the top right of the box.

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