Information Sought - Early Gamewell Auxiliary Box

[blickster068]

I am hoping that perhaps someone in this site can provide me with some background information on a box that is available for me to purchase.  I would estimate it to be early 1900's cottage style box, however the roof of the cottage is not completely straight, but not totally curved.  It does not have a slanted fist, and the door reads; "GAMEWELL AUXILIARY FIRE ALARM" and under the key at the bottom of the door; "THE GAMEWELL FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH CO, NEW YORK".  There is a key in the door, but I have been told it cannot be removed.  The outer door is rounded at the top.  Inside on the inner door  is a brass plaque which reads "PRESS BUTTON FOR FIRE". There is a hole in the center of the door with arrows to the right of the hole pointing up and down, and another brass plaque with what I believe to be patent numbers.  The seller claims it to be worth $600-$700 however I have no idea what this is based on.  I can't figure out how to download pics on the site, but surely can share them individually if so interested.  Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.......happy hunting!

[paulbalentine]

wow.....don't know much about this one, but it sure does seem old and rare.....I don't  remember seeing anything like it in Paul Roncallo's book.....I would think given its age and apparent rarity $600-700 wouldn't seem too steep if you could get it for that price range.

[magicitybill]

I wonder what that key fob looks like too?  That might have some value by itself.

[almdoc]

I'm thinking this is a left over from another competing alarm equipment company Gamewell bought up. They did it a lot and rather than scrap the equipment stock of companies purchased new doors were made with the Gamewell name on it and sold. This may have started out as a U.S Fire and Police Co. box. The shell looks right.

[gls24]

It closely resembles the "Latey" box on Roncallo, p. 101 (exterior) and the "Stillwell & Latey" described and pictured on Roncallo, pp. 172-180 (interior).  I always found it curious that plate says "Press Button...." when in fact you had to turn a crank!