Magneto? Dial layout

[TelePlay]

Why is what appears to be a magneto crank just above the dial and why is the dial on the side of the phone? Just curious.

For the record, the seller wants at least $240 plus $18 in shipping and these are the only photos, with no description other than "Antique phone" and "1940's phone very cool working phone." Doubt it will get even one bid.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181504353790

[poplar1]

Dials were added in later years when the phones were converted for retail sales. Similar phones were sold by the Copenhagen Telephone Company both directly to retail customers and to wholesalers such as Arthur Seifert in NY.

[HarrySmith]

A phone like that is what got me into this mess!!
I picked it up at a local auction on a mercy bid for $5.00. It had the dial mounted on front and the magneto handle was still on it. I was searching for info to see if I could get it working, joined ATCA and off I went!
PS- I never got it working but it cleaned up really nice and I sold it on Ebay for $165.00.