Willy Müller invented the world's first automatic answering machine in 1935

[HELLO CENTRAL]

Willy Müller invented the world's first automatic answering machine in 1935

"When I call a business, I like to talk to a human"  
Gordon Matthews - Voicemail Inventor
In 1979, Gordon Matthews formed his company, VMX, of Dallas (Voice Message Express). He applied for a patent in 1979 for his voicemail invention and sold the first system to 3M.

http://www.answering-services-phone-messaging.com/history_telephone_answering.html

The Forum, is now open for discussion. 

[Dan/Panther]

Did anyone ever patent the original written letter ?
Dan/Panther

[HELLO CENTRAL]

  Just when was that written 

[Dan/Panther]

Agitator........

Dan/Panther

[HELLO CENTRAL]

  That's why I'm here, as well!   What, oh, I see I've been hung-up by. . .only kidding?

[Bill Cahill]

About 24 years ago I had an antique telephone answering machine. It was a tube wire recorder. The phone sat on a base on top, and, somehow, the receiver was put into a magnetic cradle. The amplifier had series string tubes. It was in a cloth covered maroon case. Wish I had kept it...
Bill Cahill

[Mark Stevens]

About 24 years ago I had an antique telephone answering machine. It was a tube wire recorder. The phone sat on a base on top, and, somehow, the receiver was put into a magnetic cradle. The amplifier had series string tubes. It was in a cloth covered maroon case. Wish I had kept it...
Bill Cahill

A vintage answering machine like that would be cool. I'd also like a PhonAudograph!

[Bill Cahill]

Wow!!! Neat!! What's it do??? 

[Dan/Panther]

Bill;
I saw one of those being sold with a phone on ebay. I wonder if it's still up for auction ?
Dan/Panther