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by **techtiques** on Sun Jul 28, 2013 2:48 pm

There are several advanced Fire Alarm collectors in your area. He is probably the most active.

by **dcon6019** on Sun Jul 28, 2013 3:00 pm

techtiques wrote:They should be easy to find down there. I had 4 of the marked cast iron Baltimore Fire Alarm pedestals at the heyday of my collecting.

The only neat Baltimore item I never was able to acquire was one of the "First Instructional Door" Gamewell Fire Alarm boxes, that were again, unique to Baltimore.

By the way, do you have any of your collection posted here. It sounds like you have alot of neat pieces. I would like to see some photos if you have any available.

Dave

by **techtiques** on Sun Jul 28, 2013 4:50 pm

I'm 10-15 years away from being a serious Fire Alarm collector, and most of my goodies are gone. I do still have some pictures though, and will post them from time to time when I think I can help in a specific thread.

Most of my best picture are pre-digital -- so they are not exactly searchable. Most are hard photos that will need to be scanned -- after I find them. I never had a particularly good filing system.

by **dcon6019** on Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:15 pm

I found this gamewell call box and Baltimore pedestal this past week. When I stumbled across this piece I couldn't believe it.

When I got the box home and opened the internal mech box I found what appears to be original Baltimore running cards for the call box. The running cards give a Baltimore location, and the call numbers on the running cards match the number designation on the fire box.

by **dcon6019** on Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:24 pm

I started removing the multiple layers of paint from the call box pedestal this evening.

I have a few tight spots I still need to get to, but hopefully I will be able to get primer on this by the end of the week.

by **mcha9797** on Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:36 pm

Very nice, looking forward to your progress on this project. :thumbsup:

by **dcon6019** on Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:37 pm

I am thinking of a paint scheme of black for the pedestal and red for the call box with white highlights on the lettering and the call box number. I am not sure on the type of paint, and if I should go with a flat and then clear coat, or just go with a high gloss right off. I plan on having the pedestal on display outdoors on the property. I would also like to keep the paint scheme and paint color as historically accurate as possible to Baltimore. I would like to hear from those of you who have restored pieces for outdoor display. What types of paints and/or coatings have held up the best? Techtiques, I would appreciate any insight, or suggestions you might have for this project. Thanks in advance.

by **techtiques** on Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:11 pm

Great find! Sounds like you've got the proper Baltimore color scheme down. :thumbsup:

I for one prefer satin or eggshell finish -- with an "orangey-red" rather than regal red. If I choose to restore a piece, I prefer it to look like it's been on the street with a nice aged look. If it's outside, it will develop a proper patina pretty quickly.

Some like restorations to look brand new. That's really up to you to decide.

by **EdT.** on Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:25 pm

Great find and looks like a great project. :thumbsup:

by **dcon6019** on Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:13 pm

Primer went on today,

I will see what it looks like when it is dry. I think one coat of primer will be plenty. I still want to be able to see some of the imperfections in the casting when the piece is done. I think it will look less "showroom" and more authentic. I like the suggestion of using a satin for the final coat on the pedestal. I plan on putting this outside permenantly, and I think the satin will age better, sooner than the gloss. I want the final paint job to have a authenticity that makes people think it came right off the street, but not so much that it looks abandoned or neglected.

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