Artifact Details

Title

Telephone switchboard

Catalog Number

102757106

Type

Physical object

Description

This object is a telephone switchboard in a wood cabinet, with 26 cords, 9 of which are plugged into the switchboard panel. There is a cradle for a telephone receiver on the left-front of the switchboard panel and a rotary dial, with a white face, on the upper-right corner of the switchboard's desk top. A metal manufacture's tag is attached at the top-front of the switchboard panel, which reads, "Western Electric MADE IN U.S.A.". A panel below the desk top is removable by use of an inset handle at its top. When this panel is removed, a cord-and-weight system is revealed. The back panel of the switchboard is removable by use of an inset handle at its center, and is held in place by a tongue-and-groove joint along the top. The telephone receiver associated with this object is a modern piece and reads "ITT" on the handle. The decorative wooden base is also modern, and on casters.

Date

circa 1942

Manufacturer

Western Electric

Place Manufactured

U.S.

Identifying Numbers

Other number 1, 5, 10, 15 On 4 yellow circles, inlaid in to desk top portion of switchboard
Other number 103-127, 201-227, 301-334 Listed in 3 horizontal rows across switchboard, above 3 rows of plug-ins

Dimensions

overall-not including stand: 46 1/2 in x 29 1/2 in x 29 1/2 in

Category

Miscellaneous/tools and hardware

Credit

Gift of Jon Harmer

Lot Number

X7974.2017