Western Electric Telephone Desk, Used in Express Office, Lake Linden, Michigan, circa 1895
Add to SetSummary
This telephone desk is the opposite of the mobile, miniature smartphones we take for granted in the 21st century. Its "magneto" required hand-cranking to ring a bell and signal the exchange operator. Every component was separate. Built of hardwood with decorative carving, it served as an attractive piece of furniture--an inviting space to pull up a chair for seated conversation.
This telephone desk is the opposite of the mobile, miniature smartphones we take for granted in the 21st century. Its "magneto" required hand-cranking to ring a bell and signal the exchange operator. Every component was separate. Built of hardwood with decorative carving, it served as an attractive piece of furniture--an inviting space to pull up a chair for seated conversation.
Artifact
Telephone
Date Made
circa 1895
Creators
American Bell Telephone Company
Place of Creation
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Creator Notes
Manufactured by Western Electric Company and licensed to American Bell Telephone Company.
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
41.140.4
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Michigan Bell Telephone Company.
Material
Iron alloy
Nickel (Metal)
Rubber (Material)
Textile
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 52.5 in
Width: 18 in
Length: 26.5 in
Inscriptions
transmitter, front, stamped: 272710 WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY CHICAGO&NEW YORK side, stamped: PATENTED APR. 16 1878 JAN. 9 1888 MAR. 31 1891 OTHER PATENTS APPLIED FOR MADE FOR THE AMERICAN BELL TELEPHONE CO., AND LICENSED TO BE USED ONLY WITH IT'S [sic] TELEPHONES receiver, typed: 36 receiver, plate: 63447538
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