Liberty Model 86-3 “Rondo” Long Chime Doorbell

Liberty Model 86-3 “Rondo” Long-Bell Door Chime

Liberty 86-3 “Rondo” 1948

The Liberty Bell Manufacturing company introduced this popular long chime door bell in 1948 as the Model 86-3. The two bell version was known as the 86. These models were renamed the “Rondo 3” and the “Rondeley” from 1951. This chime’s was widely distributed by Montgomery Ward as the “Wards De Luxe Long Tube Door Chime.” From the 1948 Liberty Bell Manufacturing Company Catalog:

Model 86-3 PLASTIC HOUSING, THREE TUBE

Classic-design — for the mass of discriminating buyers who love beautiful furnishings, but who shop for value. Design and merchandising experts have acclaimed this chime as a best value among post-war home furnishings.

The beautifully proportioned ivory plastic case is set off by a polished brass medallion. Satin finished lacquered brass tubes 1 1/8 inches in diameter, produce deep, organ-like tones. The sturdy, trouble-free mechanism operates on a minimum of transformer current.

Two notes for the front door — one for the rear. (Center tube for decorative purposes only.)

Curiously, this example hangs the longest bell on the right side although Liberty and Montgomery Ward catalogs show the longer bell on the left. It was likely available in either configuration.

The 86-3 Rondo uses the a backplate that extends the cover several inches above the solenoids to provide a taller chime. This backplate was common to many  Liberty. Edwards and Miami Carey models.