July Gallery Auction
Lot 29039:
Description
This set comprises an early 20th-century manual candlestick-style desk telephone and its original associated oak magneto ringer box. The telephone stand is constructed of metal with a black-painted finish. The transmitter housing displays patent dates of March 26, 1901, and March 19, 1907. While the ringer box and stand are characteristic of Western Electric production, the hand-held receiver is marked for the Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Company (Kellogg S. & S. Co.) of Chicago, U.S.A. on the earpiece cap. The ringer box is made of oak with finger-jointed corners and features two external black metal gongs and a hand-cranked magneto. A metal identification plate on the front of the wooden cabinet reads Western Electric Company – Patd. In U.S.A. – See Dates Inside. This manual system functioned by turning the hand crank to signal a local operator.
Telephone Height: 11.5 inches
Ringer Box: 9.5 inches (H) x 7 inches (W) x 5.5 inches (D). Pickup is Friday, July 31, from Noon to 7 pm at our facility in Lancaster, OH. Alternate pickup day is available by appointment for a $5 fee per lot or we will provide in-house shipping for this item. If shipping – once packed up we will send you a separate invoice for shipping & handling. Shipping questions: [email protected]. Sales tax collected on this auction. Our warehouse is in Lancaster, OH. If not shipping – pickup in 10 days or we will dispose and you will not receive a refund. AB99
Condition report:
The collection shows significant wear consistent with age. The black finish on the metal telephone stand has noticeable chipping and paint loss, especially around the base and transmitter. The hard rubber receiver casing has several visible cracks. The fabric-covered receiver cord is heavily frayed and has become detached from the earpiece. The oak ringer box has surface scuffs and wear to the finish, with white paint residue present on the rear mounting board. The functionality of the magneto and internal components is untested.
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