Over the years, there have been numerous clever designs for apparatus to help subscribers keep track of frequently called telephone numbers.
This topic provides a place to collect images and info on stand-alone devices (not attached to the phone) that are a step or more above simple paper booklets.
When reviewing photos collected over many years, several categories popped out. Here is a starting list. There are undoubtedly more. See attached images for examples and following messages for more examples in each category.
- Linear -- Moving a pointer selects the proper page for the target letter range.
- Keyed -- Pressing a key selects the proper page for the target letter range.
- Rotary -- Turning a "dial" selects the proper page for the target letter range.
- Roller -- Turning a knob pulls a continuous paper strip past a viewing window.
- Manual -- The proper page is selected without the aid of mechanical fingers or apparatus.
- Electronic -- Battery power is used to power data storage/retrieval devices.
Images of Linear indexes
Images of Keyed indexes.
Images of Rotary indexes.
Images of Roller indexes.
Images of Manual indexes.
Images of Electronic indexes.
Some excellent images of the wide range of number index devices, Paul.
Here are some more of the Bates roller index, these without the attached lighting.
Precursor to the Rolodex...?
Thanks David.
Reminds me of a related Bates Cocktail Index that used the same technology.
Here's an example of a Linear set on steroids -- the Multidex.
...and at the other end of the size spectrum, here are images of "Mini-Linear" devices.
These used to be pretty popular in the 70s - 90s. My aunt Florence had one.
Mike