Internal telephone
Sterling Telephone and Electric Co. Ltd.
Category
Historic Services / Communications
Date
1909 - 1925
Materials
Walnut wood and metal
Measurements
190 mm (H)260 mm (W)220 mm (D)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1246384
Summary
A 'Primax Automatic table interphone' which could connect with 10 similar devices within the house, linked to guests and staff.
Full description
The phone is mounted on a walnut wooden block. The pointer is central and the 10 numbers are fanned above. The handset, which is supported by a metal y-shaped stand, has a speaking tube at one end and a earpiece at the other. Under the texture handle is a long bar attached by a screw at one end. On one metal plaques is printed, British Made, The rotary pointer selects one of 10 extensions within the house. When the desired number is chosen, the handset is removed and the nickel plated button is pressed. This rings a bell in the chosen room. The handset has a long 'talk strip' on the underside of the of the handle which is held down when you talk and released to hear the other party.
Marks and inscriptions
BRITISH MADE (inscribed on plaque of side)
Makers and roles
Sterling Telephone and Electric Co. Ltd.