Federal Electric 78B in original crate

[EJK9]

Anyone have info on this item, years made , pricing, any other info about the manufacture etc.

 

[tsquale]

@EJK9 here are two scans that I have

 

[cmb56]

@EJK9
This is the same manufacturer as the contemporary Federal Signal.

The company has had four names over the years.

They was founded in 1901 as Federal Electric and changed to Federal Enterprises in 1948, to Federal Sign And Signal in 1955 and finally, so far, to Federal Signal in 1975.

This should mean that your siren was made sometime before or around 1948 but not after.

Michael

 

[EJK9]

Thank you very much.
mine has a piece that comes off the top which holds the manufacture tag on it. Does this further define the parameters of the light.

 

[tsquale]

Thank you very much.
mine has a piece that comes off the top which holds the manufacture tag on it. Does this further define the parameters of the light.

Does that piece say "Traffik-King"?

 

[EJK9]

yes it does

 

[tsquale]

yes it does

Very uncommon piece you have then
I believe I have a scan of it, I'll look

 

[StEaLtH2]

Would you be so kind as to post pics of your siren? They are worth a thousand words generally.

 

[tsquale]

Here are the two I have that talk about it

 

[EJK9]

i will get some pics up soon hold tight

 

[EJK9]

 

[tsquale]

@EJK9 that is some amazing history that you have there!

 

[StEaLtH2]

Absolutely beautiful

thank you for posting

 

[lotsofbars]

That appears to be in excellent condition. I'd love to see it powered up.

 

[EJK9]

Thank you all for your comments and literature. This gives me a great base to start my history lesson.

@lotsofbars
As for powering it up, that's on the agenda i just want to be careful not to jump at it and make a mistake. Any correct procedures and equipment are appreciated.

 

[tsquale]

As for powering it up, that's on the agenda i just want to be careful not to jump at it and make a mistake. Any correct procedures and equipment are appreciated.

Your best bet would be to buy a 6 volt battery automotive battery, make sure it is fully charged. Then the lead on it goes to Pos (+) and then run a heavy gauge wire to the base/foot of the siren for ground. These draw a TON of amps and the force of the spinning siren motor/rotor WILL tip it over if you aren't careful. It is best to have it secured to the workbench to prevent that. I would hate to see it tip and fall off or get damaged.