Black Bakelite  Rotary Wall Cradle Telephone & Dictograph C1940s Mid Century

Item details

Height

45.0 cm

Width

27.0 cm

Depth

22.0 cm

Wear conditions Wear conditions

Excellent

Wear conditions

Excellent

Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.

Good

May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.

Average

Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.

Apparent Wear and Tear

Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.

Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.

Description

This is a rare GPO desktop or wall cradle fire emergency telephone 164 in black Perspex Bakelite  together with a Dictograph system sub station, serial number 21858 circa 1940s in date.

The phone is fitted with a cased dynamo with a winding handle secured by a locking bar with removable pin with a separate dictograph system with the serial number 21858.

This is one of the best Bakelite telephones in the 1940`s Its internal circuits are completely original & fully refurbished . It bears the GPO marks.

This is an original telephone - not a replica. 

Please note that the phone has been converted for use with today's BT plugs.

Condition:

In excellent working condition, please see photos for confirmation. It has been fully tested and has been restored to perfect working order,ready to plug in, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 45 x Width 27 x Depth 22 - Phone

Height 17 x Width 13 x Depth 17 - Dictograph

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 6 inches x Width 11 inches x Depth 9 inches - Phone

Height 7 inches x Width 5 inches x Depth 7 inches - Dictograph

The Dictograph microphone, and the Dictograph intercom system that is the subject of this article. The heart of his system was a fairly conventional but very sensitive microphone which he called the Metrophone.

It was patented by Turner and Norton Johnson in 1907. It used a larger than usual diaphragm that could pick up conversation from a reasonable distance, and so could be combined with a sensitive receiver, either a watchcase receiver or an inbuilt speaker, and used as a desktop intercom.

The idea of a handsfree office telephone system caught on quickly, and Turner's company had trouble meeting demand from their factory in Jamaica, New York.

Material
Other Wood
Manufactured
1940s
Item location
London , United Kingdom
Period
Early 20th Century
Condition
Refurbished

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Estimated delivery time

Less than one week

Free collection available

Yes

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Professional
Top seller
5.0 / 5
Located in London, United Kingdom
  • Selling at Vinterior since 2016
  • 307 sales
  • Ships from London, United Kingdom

Seller Reviews

    Cancellations and Returns

    Last updated: 24th March 2025

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