Automatic Electric Dial Candelstick

Description

This elegant candlestick telephone is a classic example of American telephone technology from the early 20th century. It was among the first models equipped with a rotary dial, allowing direct dialing without operator intervention. Its characteristic design includes a vertical column with a fixed microphone at the top and a separate receiver resting on a side hook. The metal construction with black lacquer and nickel-plated details gives the device an industrial elegance. The telephone required connection to a so-called subscriber set – an external box containing a bell and the necessary circuits to connect to the telephone network. The label “Phone Plumsteadville, Pa.” on the microphone suggests its original placement in the American state of Pennsylvania. This type of telephone was widely used in homes and offices and represents an important milestone in the transition from manual call routing to an automated system.

Details

ID
T 0286
Object
telefon
Type
s rotačním číselníkem
Classification
- 20th century telecommunications technology
- 1910s design
Technical specification
Connection type: automatic
Manufacturer
Automatic Electric Company
Manufactured in
USA
Dated
1915
Collection relationship (age)
discoveries
Format
160 x 130 x 280 mm
Material: Metal
Condition
Original, well preserved.
Location
MC-S