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7357_EXTRA_LARGE.jpg
7358_EXTRA_LARGE.jpg
L. M. Ericsson // ΜΤ-015081 // Late 1890s

L. M. Ericsson telephone wall set

DImensions: 72 x 24 x 40 cm Location: Sweden Material: bronze,wood,metal

Wooden magneto wall phone mounting on a violin-shaped wood (walnut) cabinet (the device is also called "fiddleback" due to its shape). On the top is a dual bronze bell ringer. At the middle, the device is fitted with a sloping wooden box catering for the phone's internal functions, and also serving as a stand for the purpose of a telephone conversation. On the right is a crank (gold-plated metal with a black tip) and on the left a gold-plated metal hook switch whereon is mounted the gold-plated metal handset (probably a latter addition) whose handle and mouthpiece are made from black plastic. The handset is connected with the device with a pale yellow cloth cord. The bottom of the device (missing its facade - "door") offered the possibility to store telephone directories or other relevant documents. Due to the microphones' sensitivity to the bell ringers' striking and vibrations, there was a need for well-built, big wooden wall-mounted constructions. However, such constructions were rapidly replaced by - more practical - "box"-style wooden constructions. In an effort to differentiate themselves from the competitors, the companies turned to disparate styles for decorating big-sized phones, Especially as regards Ericsson, these telephone series were quite similar to wall-mounted clocks at that time. The clock represented exactness and discipline that held high status in the developing industrial society, where trade and mass transportation were essential elements.

In Copyright

In copyright