Gumwell Firebox inards. What would you do?

[Creighton]

To make it function the wiring needs to be replaced. That will require a complete tear down.
No way I'm painting over the original scratches in the door denoting the call numbers.
The rest could use a repaint and polish.

Idea's?
Thanks!!
Creighton

[cormy]

It's a decorative piece, why does it have to be functional? Not worth the trouble IMO.

[Kilroy]

unless you have another telegraph machine to send/receive i'd gut it
 

[tkaz]

I'm a fan of getting antiques back to their working state, so I'd be inclined to try the rewire.  Worst case scenario is that you can't get it to work, and you're a few $$ down for trying.  I would try to hook up some kind of speaker so you could hear the code that would have gone out, but I really have no idea what the output voltages would be on it.

[bcharlton]

I usually get my originals " in working order" but I made an exception on my 1940s Gamewell Fire box.  I use it to house the keys to all of my 1950s coin op machines.  That way, it also serves as a practical piece.  Even if I got it to work, it would never be hooked up to call for fire support.

Just my .02

BC

[Creighton]

Thanks All,
It's darn near working (with mods). Minor issues. Guess I'm old but I like my toys to function as built.
Great enjoyment in getting beat to hell crap back to life.
Do have another telegraph key assembly so can dot dash back and forth :-)
Voltage doesen't matter much (9v to 15v). Current must be regulated at 100 Ma or the bell coils fry.
Creighton