Telephone, Wall

An antique wall telephone housed in an varnished oak box with hinged opening front panel. On the outside front panel are two bells, a mouthpiece, and a writing shelf. There is also a receiver, a wire and a switch hook are on the left side. On the right side there is a hand crank. Inside are the mechanical workings including a rotary dial, and a generator. On the reverse of the front panel are a paper label with diagrams and information on how to use the telephone, order more parts etc. Below that is the code number of the set, "1317 P" which has been stamped into the wood and largely worn away. On the reverse side of the front panel there is also a small white label with red stamp "Aug. 13, 1974" and handwritten "250709 (initials)". There are four corner holes on the back of the oak box for mounting on a wall. The back of the artifact has a groove down the centre for wires to rest, and "1917" written on it in black marker.