J. THOS RHAMSTINE (STROMBOS) AIRHORNS.

[Cockers127]

Dear All,

I am need of your help, if possible, for answers or details of these J. RHAMSTINE AIRHORNS.

I came across these the other day whilst going through my late fathers estate. They have been carefully wrapped, boxed and stored for years. My father was into his sailing and nauticalia and also a collector of fine things, however, I am at a loss with these!

I have researched Mr.Rhamstine and understand Buell Airhorns took over/bought the business and license for the name 'Strombos' (please feel free to correct me if I am wrong). I contacted Buell and John Stevens recommended this forum.

So here's my questions;

1. Are these ship or boat airhorns? If so, any idea what vessel would have had these?
2. Circa what date are these horns?
3. What compressor do you need to sound them?
4. How much are they worth?
5. Finally, where would you sell such and item...on here? EBay? Specialist dealers or websites?

The horns measure 10", 12" & 15". The base (3 circular parts) is 12" across and 9.5" high.

I have only screwed the horns in slightly and I'm not even sure if they are in there correct places! Any help would be most appreciated and gratefully received. Thanking you all in advance.

Paul

[FDDMS-er]

My marine horn history is limited and rusty, but those are "American Strombos" horns which were made by the J. Thomas Rhamstine Co.of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Rhamstine was a rather talented developer and manufacturer, mostly of electrical devices. The horns were originally advertised and sold mainly as marine signals, but they were useful in any application that had room for a compressed air supply (reservoirs and/or compressors). I have personally seen single, dial and triple versions of the Rhamstine "American Strombos."

IIRC, the original Strombos horns were developed and manufactured in Paris prior to the First World War. Interestingly, during WWI they became quite widely known for use as a "gas alarm signal" in the trenches of the Western Front. (Stephen Bull's book "Trench" has a photo on P. 135 of a Strombos horn in a British position.) How and when the "American Strombos Company" of Philadelphia was formed, I do not know...nor exactly when Rhamstine became either their licensee or successor.

They were not really popular as "large ship" horns (though they made claims to that market), but were widely used on smaller commercial boats, motor launches, yachts, etc. They were relatively expensive in their heyday, and sort of a status symbol for "pleasure boaters." A triple Strombos horn like yours would have represented a very serious investment in the 1930's. Back when I was still quite active in the hobby, I used to get a call now and then about a "Rhamstine" Strombos horn that was ailing, but even then they were getting fewer and farther between, and they were mostly horns that had been removed from a long-gone, wood-hulled "family boat."

They are interesting first-generation air horns in roughly the same vein as the traditional smaller Kahlenbergs and old brass Westinghouse "A" horns. They weren't tremendously efficient by today's standards, but their size kept air consumption down to reasonable levels.

[Cockers127]

Thank you for your comments, most appreciated.