unknown wooden receiver/ transmitter
Date: late 19th Century
Inventory Number: 8003
Classification: Telephone
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Owner: Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University (founded 1884)
Cultural Region:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
without cord: 17 × 7 × 7 cm (6 11/16 × 2 3/4 × 2 3/4 in.)
Description:
A telephone receiver/transmitter of turned wood, of a shape known as a "butterstamp" type. The handle is wider at the midpoint and tapered toward either end. The handle has an elliptical eyehook at one end, and the other attaches to a cylindrical mouthpiece.
The mouthpiece is of turned wood, and has six screws securing a wooden faceplate to the end of the cylinder. A concave, dish-shaped element is centered on the faceplate, which is pierced by a circular opening at the bottom of the dish. On the inside, the opening is loosely covered by dark material.
The mouthpiece is of turned wood, and has six screws securing a wooden faceplate to the end of the cylinder. A concave, dish-shaped element is centered on the faceplate, which is pierced by a circular opening at the bottom of the dish. On the inside, the opening is loosely covered by dark material.
Signedunsigned
FunctionConversion of electrical impulses from transmitter into sound for output by telephone.
ProvenanceJefferson Laboratory, Physics Department, Harvard University