|
Original "KELLOGG" Hand Crank Wall Phone from the early 1900's is an amazing piece of history from the Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Company in Chicago, IL.
Beautiful and Rare Antique!!
We were told this phone was made from 1900-1903
Approx Size: 25" high x 8 1/4" wide x 12" deep
Weight: 22 pounds
The number stamped into the wood base is 2594
It is in solid shape and excellent condition considering it's age! It has some scratches and normal wear and tear for a phone over 100 + years old.
We believe the wood to be Oak and may have been refinished over the years. It has original internal pieces although some internal wires have been disconnected over the years. The bells ring and the crank turns easily. The cords and cables appear to be all original and have been disconnected over the years. There are no signs of rust or corrosion on the metal parts inside, although there is some slight oxidation. The earpiece is all together, although the cord is frayed and disconnected from the phone. The earpiece hook spring mechanism is in good working condition. Four holes have been drilled through the back mounting plate to hang on the wall. It has a small writing desk attached below the mouthpiece.
Wooden, wall-mounted telephones were the first circulated widely following Alexander Graham Bell's invention in 1876. Big and bulky because they needed multiple compartments to hold the large batteries. The hand cranked generator (or magneto) is also stored within, and was needed to signal an operator. Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Company was founded in 1897 just after Alexander Graham Bell's patent expired. The company primarily manufactured telephones for independent companies - which competed with Bell.
Click Here. Double your traffic. Get Vendio Gallery - Now FREE!
|
Shopping Cart
