western electric phone, non rotary, has a generator-type "spinner"

i'm hoping someone might have some history on this phone. i've never seen 1 like it. it doesnt have a rotary dial, but has a crank handle, that spins. as it spins, you can hear the ringer inside. i bought it at a "trades day" and dont know anything about it. reminds me of the old crank wall phones, but this is a desk model. it is a western electric, but thats all i know. maybe a phone from a hotel?...where one might have to call up the switchboard to make a call?... i'd appreciate any info you might have.