The Original "Wireless": Before YOUR Smartphone.

Evelyne Vincent

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10h • Miscellaneous Posting

What is it?

This object is an old crank telephone (or magneto telephone).

It is a fascinating collector's item and a testament to the history of telecommunications.

This type of telephone is characterized by several elements visible in your photo:

The wooden casing: The device is mounted on a wooden panel or box, designed to be fixed to the wall.
The bell (ringer): A metal bell (usually brass or bronze) is visible on the upper left, which served as the ringer to signal an incoming call.
The handset/Receiver and braided cord: The central suspended piece is the receiver, often connected to the device by a thick braided cord or wire. In some models, this may only be the receiver, with the microphone (transmitter) being a separate part.
The terminal blocks: Terminal blocks ("L1", "L2", "ZM", "CM", etc.) are distinguishable at the top, used to connect the device to the telephone line and internal circuits (such as the ringer and microphone).
The absence of a dial (or keys): This phone generally operated with a crank (often located on the side, not visible here, or hidden behind the wooden panel on the left) which was used to operate a generator (called a magneto) to send a signal to the operator (switchboard) or directly to another set on a private line.

Date of the Object

Old wooden wall telephones with a crank, also called magneto telephones or "salt boxes" for certain French models (like the very famous Marty 1910), are typical of the period ranging from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

The majority of these models, particularly those used in Europe, generally date from the years:

1890 to 1920 (for the oldest and most rustic models).
Some models continued to be produced or used in rural areas or on private networks until the 1930s-1940s.

Without a specific brand or model number, it is difficult to give an exact date, but the rustic appearance of the wood, the exposed bell, and the braided cord strongly suggest a model from the early 20th century, likely around 1900–1920.

Based on current sales and listings of similar items, the price range for this type of phone is generally between €70 and €250. (5 81,73 $ and 2 918,37 $ )

BTW when I was a kid my father had the second . We had 3 numbers: Police, Telecommunications and Firefighters. My dad was a craftsman and glass and mirror entrepreneur .

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