Posted 14 years ago
poleclimber
(2 items)
I need help in identifying this phone box, I don't have a clue as to the purpose of it or what it is called. It is from Germany, the box is 14" X 13" X 6 5/8", it has a meter on top that is 6" X 5 1/2", it has a bunch of terminals on top behind the meter (see photo's), a bunch of switches on the front, a rotary dial, the receiver is marked Western Electric, it is supposedly marked 1942 on the inside but the back won't come off easily so I quit before I broke something so I've never seen the date and is also has Germany where the date is, the meter is in German language, if the '42 is correct this could be a piece of military equipment, to the right of the dial is a counter, to the left is another function but don't know what, it appears something was at one time mounted on top of the box but it's long gone whatever it was, the box/cabinet is oak and the dial has numbers and also has letters from A to K but the i is omitted, certainly an unusual piece. If anyone has any knowledge of this item I'd certainly like to know and would appreciate you letting me know, my email is jimjordan@anvilcom.com Thanks and Good Luck!!
My first guess it is a Siemens Testboard with the ohms meter on top. It is using a German manufactured Siemens dial, Siemans was a large and still is a manufacture of telephones and switchboards.
I have no idea if this is the correct procedure or not, this is my first trip to collectors weekly and was excited as heck that Tom Tucker commented on my item I see no links to contacting him one on one so maybe he will see this as I want to say many thanks, we sincerely appreciate you taking the time to comment and from all observations you are the authority on the phone subject and definitely the man in the know. It is caring people like you that gives of your time and sharing of your knowledge that make programs like this one a huge success and a desirable program for all people. Thank you and good luck !! Jim
Jim, Your welcome. I have lifted the photo's of your switchboard and will post them on the Antique Telephone Collectors Association site to see if I can get you more information.
cool piece of history . does it still work?
Hi Toyman, many thanks for your interest and your comment, agreed, it is a cool piece of history, we really like unusual items as this one is. As far as working, I do not know, it's heavy and I just got a peek of the inside but it looks like it is full, nothings seems to be missing but as far as working I just couldn't tell you. Thanks again, Jim