Can anyone identify what these boxes are for?

[Dave54]

In between the two boxes I can just make out what look to be red, yellow and blue cables. This would suggest three phase. These boxes usually contain DOL starters for motors/pumps and can have a remote start stop button, or as already suggested they can simply contain contactors for other pieces of kit.

Contactors for storage heating on three phase? Generally there is only a single phase contact supplied for switching heating, so you need a three phase contactor. (But why two? Unless they needed a higher rating than one would carry of course.)

I was going to say they look nice.

Possibly collectable?

Much nicer than the modern plastic tat that is everywhere now.

I wonder if they are for some elaborate DIY designed control that allowed an old single immersion heater to be heated during economy 7 hours on the off peak supply but could change over to the normal supply for a boost if needed during the normal rate. 2 mechanically interlocked contactors should really be used rather than 2 separate ones. But that's my guess anyway.
View attachment 99601
This one is working and was being used regularly until about 2 weeks ago, when the motor it was supplying went wrong. Some of the commutator sections were glowing bright orange. If I've got the date letter correct the motor is from 1938. It's only just hit me now that the motor was designed with the brush gear easily accessible to touch. That wouldn't be allowed now...

That brings back some memories. I think I've got one of those boxes somewhere without the button box.
The oldest motor I ever came across was a DC motor, date on the rating plate was sometime in the 1880s. Can't remember the HP rating or the make now, but it was a large frame for a relatively small output. Same as your's this one had open brushgear originally, but had been fitted with ventilated covers. I think they originally assumed people would have the sense not to touch anything like that!
It was still in daily full time use driving a degreasing line for strip.
There was also an ancient Schrage motor (a type of three phase variable speed motor) on another piece of plant.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It could be, was it not for the Eco nimbies in charge nowadays.

You think?

Please show me an example of where the construction, running, and decommissioning costs of any form of electricity generation, distribution and metering infrastructure are so low as to make it cost more to charge for the electricity than to give it away.

When doing so please be factual and verifiable.

Alternatively, feel free to ignore the request and confirm that you are talking b******s.