Dictograph Intercom Used by Edward Knabusch at His La-Z-Boy Office, circa 1940

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Artifact Overview

Office intercom systems allowed people to communicate while located in different rooms or different areas of a large building. The term itself is an amalgam of "internal communication." Intercoms can be permanently wired into a building, replacing rudimentary "speaking tubes." The most common form is a desktop "two station system," used between a supervisor and assistant in office environments.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Intercom system

Date Made

circa 1940

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2015.78.27

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of La-Z-Boy, Incorporated.

Material

Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Plastic
Cord (Fiber product)

Color

Brown
Green

Dimensions

Height: 8.5 in
Width: 8.375 in
Length: 6.625 in

Inscriptions

on back and edge of phone base: Dictograph names above switches: L. SHIPPING BRUECKNER CUTTING GERTZ KNAKE MARENCK 15 names below switches: L. INFORM KNABUSCH SHOEMAKER PAYROLL F. INFORM L. RECEIVING RINC
Dictograph Intercom Used by Edward Knabusch at His La-Z-Boy Office, circa 1940