BulbCollector Forums
BULB DISCUSSION BOARDS => Antique Bulb Discussion => Topic started by: Dylan on February 07, 2001, 06:59:00 pm
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I need some information on a large knife switch. I do not have a picture, but I will try to describe it. There is one similar to it on Poppa Bill Bulbs' Photopoint link (see topic "Antique light bulbs and more"). Mine has three poles and two of them have the big fuse holders. Any information on when this was made or what it was used for? Any help would be great!
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---Dylan Windom
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Hey Dylan, welcome to the board.
Does your switch have any identifying marks on the bottom or anywhere else such as the maker's initials? I'm not a switch expert but this might provide everyone with some more clues as to who made it. Also what's the base material made from - porcelain?
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-Tim
BulbCollector.com (http://www.bulbcollector.com)
DewCollector.com (http://www.dewcollector.com)
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The name on the wooden handle is "Trumbull". It also states that this switch is rated at 125V @ 60A. A label on one of the fuses is halfway gone but I can read some of it. The name on the fuse is -Shawmut Co. in Massachusetts (what was before the "-" is missing). The fuse looks original, and its shell is made of thick cardboard.
I'm not really sure what the base is made from, but it looks like it's just a slab of dark-gray rock, and it's very heavy. I can't find any identification other than what is stated here.
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---Dylan Windom
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My best guess is that it's an old industrial switch used to control big motors. I've not seen one that big,but I have old books that show switches similar to the one you describe in industrial motor-control use.Just a guess, though.