American Institute - The Telephone Company of New York - 1877 The Medal of Progess

02/01/2025

An incredibly rare silver medal awarded to The Telephone Company of New York in 1877. Not ony is this medal rare, but incredibly expensive too, as not many were presented. Fortunately, there is a copy, or token - but, tokens are hard to find as well.

Charles Cheever formed the Telephone Company of New York as a franchise in 1876 and constructed the first telephone line in New York City. In 1877, Hilborne Roosevelt invented the switch hook, whereby the telephone calling circuit could be opened and closed by picking up (connect) and hanging up the receiver (disconnect). More later...

02/04/2025
Added American Institute Bronze Medal, dated 1833.