Deveau Transmitter

[LarryInMichigan]

I waked up to a booth at the flea market this morning, and the vendor was asking a customer if he knew what the thing she was holding was.  He had no idea, but I did.  It was a Deveau transmitter minus mouthpiece.  She wanted $20, and I am hopeless at flea markets, so I bought it.  I have no idea what it is really worth.  It is quite dirty, but I think that it should clean up well.  It does seem to work.

Does anyone have an idea of the year and value of this?

Thank You

Larry

 

[Sargeguy]

Nice,  my guess would be 1905-1918.  It is an uninsulated type, and the popularity of nickel dell off around WWI.  It is obviously from an intercon.  If you aren't keeping it I would let eBay determine the value.  These don't come up that often, and a lot of DeVeau candlesticks have WE transmitters on them.  I am sure there are a few collectors who would want it, and you may start a bidding war.  The again DeVeau made a lot of wall intercoms, so it could be worth $5.

[LarryInMichigan]

I just listed it on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260888473831.

Larry

[paul-f]

Perhaps the rest of the phone was in a box under the table.  

Dooner lists it as c.1899 - 1905 on page 79 of Telephones Antique to Modern.

You found a winner!

[LarryInMichigan]

The lady who sold me the transmitter at the flea market told me that the phone to which it went was worth $800 or so, but she didn't have it for sale.

Paul, may I use your pictures in my listing?

Larry

[paul-f]

While Dooner has an estimate of $1000 - 2000, I think even the $800 guess is quite optimistic -- especially in today's economic environment.

I'll respond regarding the photos in a PM.

[LarryInMichigan]

Well, I am quite disappointed.  Although there were 10 watchers on the Deveau transmitter, the auction ended with no bids.  I just relisted it.

Larry

[LarryInMichigan]

Here goes another try at selling this transmitter: ebay link.

Larry