PO TELEPHONE No. 59, 1900's

Used by the General Post Office as No 59, the box, made of Walnut contained 2 Dry Cells or Leclanche cells, as this phone was powered locally (LB local battery). Designed by Ericsson in 1899 and taken over by the National Telephone Company, formed in 1885 from both the Bell & Edison Companies at the time. Similar to the Sterling U373 which has the handset at the side.

Your comments:

• My Grandfather had one like this in his office at the Dry Dock, Port Dinorwic, North Wales. I used to visit him and was fascinated with the hand-cranked telephone. He had a wash basin next to it and would have a shave at the end of the day before going home. When I asked if he would get in trouble he replied, "The whiskers grow in works time, so they can come off in works time". Those were the days!
  .......... David Mills, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, North Wales, UK, 28th of November 2009
  
  

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