Unknown switch

[Hans22]

Does anyone know this switch?
It was used in the 1960s by my father to distribute power to either one or two lamps. In one position, one lamp would burn at full intensity, in the other two at half intensity.
I am interested in the name of the switch and what it was originally used for.

 

[Avo Mk8]

I've never seen one of those before!
I suspect it originates from a couple of decades before 1960.

Google reveals similar things in Canada that sold on eBay.
At least one ad describes it as a 'pressure switch', but probably they just mean 'push button' switch.

I think it's a novel 2 gang light switch from the era.
It sounds as if it was wired to connect the two lamps in series in one of the positions, to give the half intensity effect.

Is there a brand name or patent number marked on the base underneath?

 

[Hans22]

I've never seen one of those before!
I suspect it originates from a couple of decades before 1960.

Google reveals similar things in Canada that sold on eBay.
At least one ad describes it as a 'pressure switch', but probably they just mean 'push button' switch.

I think it's a novel 2 gang light switch from the era.
It sounds as if it was wired to connect the two lamps in series in one of the positions, to give the half intensity effect.

Is there a brand name or patent number marked on the base underneath?

View attachment 119718

 

[Hans22]

Thank you AvoMk8! Great research and already a lot of interesting info right away. Good to know (and see) there were more such switches on the market. As soon as I'm back at that location I'm going to look for any brand name and serial number. Many thanks!