The object pictured above is a portable call bell or signal bell, and it dates to the early twentieth century. The call bell was electric and was powered by a dry cell battery. Dry cell batteries, first invented in the 1880s, were refined enough by the 1890s to be practical for use in a host of smaller devices, such as early flashlights and this call bell. This call bell originally had a cord coming out of the box, which would have ended in a wooden, or possibly Bakelite (an early form of plastic) knob with a bone, ivory or wooden button on it, which when pressed would activate the bell.
Based on the period to which this bell dates, it almost surely belonged to Alice Longfellow, who called the Brattle Street mansion home for her entire life, passing away in 1928. While Alice had other signaling systems installed in the house, including an early hardwired intercom system that connected her bedroom on the second floor directly to the kitchen, she would have found a portable call bell convenient.
Alice enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe, and on occasion she took her chauffeur with her. In addition to being her driver, it seems likely that he also acted as a porter or general assistant on occasion. With this call bell, she would be able to summon him from nearby with just the push of a button.
Later in life, Alice had mobility issues and spent time using a wheelchair to move about the house, she even had an elevator installed to enable her to get from the first floor to her upstairs bedrooms. She employed a nurse to help her with everyday tasks and look after her general well-being. Alice may have used this bell to call for assistance if she was unable to access another signaling system, or if she was outside in her wheelchair enjoying the grounds or out on her second-floor balcony where she could overlook her gardens.