Rittenhouse Sentinel Model 365
Rittenhouse Sentinel Door Chime ~1949
The Sentinel leveraged the design work of Norman Bel Geddes for the 2nd Generation Beverly Musical Chime.
Described in a 1950s Rittenhouse Catalog:
The Sentinel – High style and performance at a moderate price. This model is available either with 3 tubes or with 2 tubes. Both models sound two rich, resonant tones fro the front door and a single-note for the rear door. Ivory plastic housing with gold finished decorative motif. Tube finish, brushed brass. Has Rittenhouse “Floating Percussion” mechanism which insures quiet, long-life operation.
In order to achieve the moderate price point, the Sentinel has brass-plated steel resonators instead of the solid brass used on the Beverly. Notably, the Sentinel has a decorative center resonator tube.
A later iteration of this chime with two resonators features a stylized eagle in place of the lyre and are known as the Rittenhouse Newport model 314.
Manufacturer Rittenhouse Company, Inc. Location of Manufacture Honeoye Falls, New York, USA Date of Manufacture 1949 Cover Styrene plastic with brass finished ornament. Mechanism Stamped steel Resonators Brass-plated steel. Tone bars Painted steel Height 14 1/4 inches Width 9 inches Depth 2 3/8 inches Notes ElectraChime Collection. Original condition.