‘Violently’ Ringing Door Bell Served As Home Security in the Early 1900s

June 22, 2016

Image via Paleofuture

Image via Paleofuture

Long before there was technology like Ring with its motion detecting sensors and live streaming videos, New Yorkers and other folks took to keeping their homes safe with much more rudimentary measures like the nickel-plated door alarm seen above. Paleofuture spotted an ad for the nifty little battery- and wire-free device in a 1906 issue of “Literary Digest.” Set off by “the slightest bit of pressure,” the door stop alarm claims to provide “Absolute protection from burglars and sneak thieves.” What more could you ask for for just $1?

1900s burglar alarm Image via Paleofuture

Even if you’re not sold by the tech, the overexuberant ad (BURGLARS!) provides for a pretty good laugh. Paleo offers a few more with their remarks: “What happened if the burglar still insisted on coming in even if they knew they were found out? Well, the next part was up to you. An old fashioned gun was probably in order.”

[Via Paleofuture]

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