Help identify wood phone / intercom from estate sale

[zenithchromacolor]

I recently purchased this piece at an estate sale of a collector. It is certainly the oldest phone item I currently have, I mostly have newer plastic phones and have little knowledge on the earlier pieces.

The receiver is a Western Electric 122W. I could not find any model or manufacturer markings on the wood box or transmitter. The push-button on the side and lack of ringer bells may indicate this was part of an intercom? There was a ringer mechanism loose inside the box, not connected or secured.

I would be interested if anybody has and additional information on this.

Thank you,
Max

[zenithchromacolor]

Additional photos of ringer assembly that was inside.

[Jim Stettler]

This is very cool and quite old/interesting.
The outside terminal receiver and the early style switch hook are old. the transmitter horn is old and quite  interesting. This is an early and interesting  find. ( In my Opinion).
I think the ringer stuff is unrelated.
I would be willing to trade into this phone. Pm if interested.
Just My Opinion,
Jim S.

[Fabius]

Very nice find.

[Stubbypylon]

The transmitter looks like it could be an Ericsson to me but I am not certain.

[zenithchromacolor]

I did some image searches online and the closest I could come was this one:

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-wooden-intercom-kellogg-phone-77708406

The transmitter is similar, but not the same as mine. There is only one photo, so there isn't too much to go by.


I paid $48 for it, which seemed reasonable as I knew the receiver has some value on its own.

[Russ Kirk]

Wow, that's a great find and good buy. I like the "elk horn" switch hook.  I hear that is an indication it is an older item.

[AE_Collector]

Could this be a top box from a larger wooden phone? Normally a top box would have a ringer in it as well but maybe something like a fiddle back with a ringer and batteries under a shelf? The terminals on the top would be for the linein and terminals on the bottom to interconnect with the rest of the larger phone.

Just thinking out loud....

Terry