Western Electric 3-Boxer

[Sargeguy]

Not really sure what they did to this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321247932232



There is a really nice top box with original lightning arrestor:



The Blake transmitter appears to be modified for speaking tube? use???  I have no idea what the bracket is for.

The backboard is not original to the phone, nor is the receiver, which was not introduced until after 3-boxers were obsolete.  

This phone is the subject of Auction Contest 107.   Value would appear to be limited to the top box and empty Blake transmitter,  plus the $25 for the receiver, rather than as a whole phone.   Not sure who made the backboard and box, but it doesn't seem like an original WE to me.

[HarrySmith]

HMMM, interesting to see the insides. I too was curious about the bracket in the original post. I guess it was needed for the speaking tube setup

[Sargeguy]

I thought it might be some weird configuration for long distance or something but a speaking tube of the type show here (if that is what it actually is) would not make sense.  Now I'm thinking Frankenphone in the sense that you and Doug use it. 

[HarrySmith]

I would have to agree, a Blake with a speaking tube is definetly not pedigreed

[wds]

What about this one?  Real or repro?  BIN $4225

http://tinyurl.com/nzoc6ju

EDIT:  Sold for the requested BIN price of $4,225 on 11/17/13

[wds]

Here's another Blake transmitter.  Little better price - $947 BIN  2 out of 3 boxer.

http://tinyurl.com/mjaoqvw

EDIT:  eBay auction ended about 11/17/13 - "This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available."

[HarrySmith]

Not a great angle but it does appear the Blake is raised off the backboard with some kind of supports?

[wds]

Yes - I've seen this set up several times now.

[HarrySmith]

So I guess a Blake transmitter needs to be raised off the backboard to function properly?

[TelePlay]

So I guess a Blake transmitter needs to be raised off the backboard to function properly?

Or so as to not hit ones nose or forehead on bottom edge of the magneto/bell box when screaming into the transmitter asking when the telephone repairman will be there to fix the phone?   

[wds]

Wow - both of those Blakes sold for full price, and now there's another one for $1200 BIN.  A good day for Blakes!

http://tinyurl.com/n3bk245

[poplar1]

One sold for BIN $4225; another one  was removed ("This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available."); the original one is still for sale.

[Sargeguy]

Or so as to not hit ones nose or forehead on bottom edge of the magneto/bell box when screaming into the transmitter asking when the telephone repairman will be there to fix the phone?

That sounds pretty plausible

[poplar1]

Sometimes a Blake transmitter was mounted on an iron "crow's foot" (la patte d'un corbeau).

[Sargeguy]

That would be the one.  Where do you come up with this stuff?