Western Electric Telephone Desk Used in Express Office, Lake Linden, Michigan, circa 1895
01
Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
Telephone
Date Made
circa 1895
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Manufactured by Western Electric Company and licensed to American Bell Telephone Company.
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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