Early 1900's Western Electric Hand Crank Telephone Wall Unit with Wooden Dovetail Case, Magneto 5 Bar Generator, 250W, Type 317 S, 1909

This is a gorgeous, early 1900's, Western Electric, Magneto, hand crank, wall telephone, with a beautiful wooden dovetail case. Patent date is marked as 1894. Phone was originally designed to be a party line telephone. The Magneto battery / generator was designed to charge every time the phone was cranked.

The first model 317 phone was made in 1907 and had hinges on the right side, a "Cathedral" top, which was a decorative top piece and a "Picture Frame Front" that framed the mouthpiece. The 1907 model also had exposed terminals on the pony receiver.

In 1909 the updated 317 model had enclosed terminals on the receiver, the Cathedral top was removed and the hinges were moved to the left side of the box. The Picture Frame Front remained. This appears to be partially refurbished and complete as original metalwork was nickel plated. Interior components appear intact, except for batteries, as shown in photos.

Phone has the following markings: "Western Electric", "Type 317 S", and "Pat'd in USA July 17, 1894".

The overall measurements of the wooden cabinet are 9-1/4" wide x 23" tall. The projection from the wall is 12" to the outer edge on the slanted note pad platform.

CONDITION - This beautiful dovetail box, is in very nice, solid condition. The unit has not been tested and will likely need re-wired, along with some modifications to make it compatible with modern telephone systems. The voice hand piece (receiver) is missing the plastic screw on cover on the end where you speak into. There is also a small hole in the handset, shown in the photos. This is an original Western Electric telephone that has survived the test of time.

This amazing piece would look awesome, in any room of your home!

PLEASE SEE PHOTOS FOR MORE DETAILS, AND MESSAGE ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS.