Has anyone built a hotel reception desk type bell that rings on demand? I'm looking to make something antique/Victorian looking (not a modern desk bell). The electronics are potentially complex If done via remote).

Yes. There have been a couple releases over the years.

I've only found one or two and they don't look right, are overly complicated to use, or both. So I'm looking to make one, but just need to source the right electronics.

Here is an antique looking one.
You could ask the creator for information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgSb4Pt6eKs

If your prefer this style. A mechanical solution might be possible as well. Just attach a piece of "IT" to the metal stem of the bell button.
https://i.etsystatic.com/9421174/r/il/4d......10ds.jpg
1) Attach it directly to your finger
2) Thread it through the bell to make it more hidden, if seated you can attach it to your leg.
3) Add it to an ITR Reel. I think there are remote-controlled ones out there.


Here are various DIY videos of constructing the electronical works. You will have to adapt it to your outer bell shell of course and potentially strip the inner mechanics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZGfJun4yTg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suRZWavZrQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaW342n4RzY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jYt24FRI3Q

With remote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II-17gBOW1E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhLK9_XmT1E


here you can use the mechanism to attach a thread that pulls the stem from the inside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSRxPg_XGl0

Maybe you can build something based on the information compendium above.

Also you can look for some information in magic literature

The Magic Bell
(Professor Hoffmann - Modern Magic 1876 (p.486)

The Annemann Bell Box
(Theodore Annemann - The Jinx (Summer Extra 1936)

The Magic Bell
Al Baker - The Secret Ways of Al Baker 2003 (p.343)

Thank you Azzaro! These are interesting ideas to explore (even if I don't speak Hindi). Unfortunately, they are all large electrical/mechanical contraptions that are not really realistic to conceal in a performance. I'm trying out thread methods (both internal and external to the bell), but lighting could be tricky. I'll check those books you recommend.