Hammerblow timer????

[Fossil]

Just ran across a part for a Model T Ford that I've never heard of before. Did a google search and came up with nothing. It's called a Ford Model T Herz Hammerblow Timer for cold weather. Can any of you tell me what this is. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-Ford-Model-T-Herz-Hammerblow-Timer-Cold-Weather/264979225248?hash=item3db1fe1aa0:g:p~MAAOSw1VBf2klL

[41 Su8]

Looks like an aftermarket commutator for a Ford Model T.  Good luck finding the rotor that goes with it.

[Fossil]

I'm not a "T" person and have not worked on one. When you say commutator I think of a starter or generator but have the feeling that's not your intention. Can you enlighten me please.

Thank you.

[JV Puleo]

In this case it is a device that distributes the spark from the 4 separate buzzer could. It's the system that pre-dates both the magneto (which has points) and conventional "modern" ignition systems with points. Most cars used a timer until magneto ignition came about but mags were very expensive items and Ford, in order to keep things cheap, continued to use the older system. Ford's "flywheel magneto" generated a low tension current which was fed through the timer to the coils and from there, as a high tension current, to the spark plugs.

 

Timers and buzzer coils were always fussy to adjust and keep adjusted. There were lots of after market timers as well as master vibrator coils to replace the separate units. Not long ago I read a period article on how to rewire a Ford so it used a single vibrator coil.

Edited December 19, 2020 by JV Puleo (see edit history)

[Fossil]

Thanks for the insight. I had some idea about parts of the ignition being involved with the flywheel and there being buzz boxes but have never sat down and studied how the system actually works.