Thomas Edison's Chalk Telephone, circa 1879
Add to SetSummary
When Thomas Edison was working on telephone development in 1878, he had a problem: the Bell system had patented the most common receiver technologies. So Edison developed a receiver system based on a rotating chalk drum. Combined with Edison's own carbon button transmitter technology, the chalk phone delivered a loud signal--and avoided patent litigation.
When Thomas Edison was working on telephone development in 1878, he had a problem: the Bell system had patented the most common receiver technologies. So Edison developed a receiver system based on a rotating chalk drum. Combined with Edison's own carbon button transmitter technology, the chalk phone delivered a loud signal--and avoided patent litigation.
Artifact
Telephone
Date Made
circa 1879
Creators
Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Designed by Thomas A. Edison.
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Collections Platform
Object ID
00.721.14
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Thomas A. Edison.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Brass (Alloy)
Rubber (Material)
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 16 in
Width: 10.5 in
Length: 7 in
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