Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Auction Talk => Topic started by: rfkimba on February 11, 2014, 04:44:37 AM

Title: INVENTION MODEL ANTIQUE WOODEN TELEPHONE RECEIVER/TRANSMITTER CA: 1878/79!
Post by: rfkimba on February 11, 2014, 04:44:37 AM
Dear telephonists,
Does anyone have a reference to validate this ancient phone?  Seller when asked couldnt produce any documentation in any reference book.

http://tinyurl.com/n7up2e7

Thanks,
Bob Farber
Title: Re: INVENTION MODEL ANTIQUE WOODEN TELEPHONE RECEIVER/TRANSMITTER CA: 1878/79!
Post by: G-Man on February 11, 2014, 08:47:38 AM
I would suspect that a genuine instrument would have Williams shop markings on it.  Also, anyone making such claims should include at least a minimal provenance in the description.   For further information regarding an item of its purported vintage it would be worthwhile to contact the real experts in early "firewood" collecting. This would include Tom Adams and especially John Infurna on the TCI and ATCA list.
Title: Re: INVENTION MODEL ANTIQUE WOODEN TELEPHONE RECEIVER/TRANSMITTER CA: 1878/79!
Post by: rdelius on February 11, 2014, 11:41:37 AM
there were plans back them on how to make one.This one is not the same shape as the 4 ? wooden receivers in the History of the Bell System book.Looks well made and old vintage
Title: Re: INVENTION MODEL ANTIQUE WOODEN TELEPHONE RECEIVER/TRANSMITTER CA: 1878/79!
Post by: G-Man on February 11, 2014, 04:11:18 PM
Quote from: rdelius on February 11, 2014, 11:41:37 AM
there were plans back them on how to make one.This one is not the same shape as the 4 ? wooden receivers in the History of the Bell System book.Looks well made and old vintage

Some of it looks kinda old while the screw heads are finished differently from their bright and shiny threads.

But the real question is whether you are willing to spend over $3K on an unmarked, undocumented piece.

As previously stated, I suspect that Williams mark should be affixed to a genuine instrument but one should
consult with one of the experts such as John Infurna who specialize in this vintage of apparatus.
Title: Re: INVENTION MODEL ANTIQUE WOODEN TELEPHONE RECEIVER/TRANSMITTER CA: 1878/79!
Post by: poplar1 on February 11, 2014, 05:56:52 PM
Ebay picture