Rittenhouse Utility 225
Rittenhouse Utility ~1948
The Rittenhouse Utility Model 225 was the entry level door chime starting in 1948. Although I can not attribute this to a particular designer, the crossed arrows emblem was introduced by Norman Bel Geddes for Rittenhouse.The Utility was available with a white and silver or ivory and gold finish (shown here).
The Utility was described in a late 1940s catalog:
Utility Model Compact, inexpensive chime for use wherever space is limited. Well suited for use in offices, stores and other places where a general utility signal is required. Also suitable for small homes and apartments. Sounds two notes for the front door and a single-note for the rear. Operates on standard 10 volt transformer. Available in either white and silver or ivory and gold finishes.
| Manufacturer | The Rittenhouse Company, Inc. |
| Location of Manufacture | Honeoye Falls |
| Date of Manufacture | ~1948 |
| Cover | Painted stamped steel with painted stamped aluminum emblem |
| Mechanism | Stamped steel |
| Tone bars | Painted steel |
| Height | 4 inches |
| Width | 7 inches |
| Depth | 2 1/8 inches |
| Notes | ElectraChime Collection. Original Condition. |
I have a rittenhouse door bell model 225. Also hand stamped model 236 on inside.
Are these available in original style? Or parts transformer buzzes.
thanks, Terry
New parts are not available. I can probably repair your chime. Contav]ct me at ElectraChime@gmail.com if interested.
I have ones of these, in the ivory and gold. It was covered in decades of wall paint that was very thickly brushed on, it was quite a chore stripping it but it turned out beautifully. The emblem on mine is actually stamped brass.