WW1 German Army Feldfernsprecher – TRENCH / FIELD PHONE HANDSET – RARE!

You are bidding on a SUPERB and VERY RARE example of a WW1 Imperial Prussian Army First Model 1905 Armeefernsprechgerät alter Art (Army Field Telephone) Handset!During WW I the German Imperial Army used two principally different lines of field telephones for its infantry units. A fairly heavy Feldfernsprecher or 'Field Telephones' were in use by signalers in the 2nd and 3rd line positions or at headquarters while each infantry regiment in the front line was equipped by several more lightweight Armeefernsprechgerät or 'Army field telephones'.The Army field telephones originated in 1899 when the first communications units (Telegrafen-Bataillons) of German Imperial Army were raised. The first model of the Army field telephone was of Siemens design of 1894 and was called 'Patrouillenapparat'.Next the 1905 model has arrived which was in use all thru WW I despite the newer model of 1913, Eiserner Armeefernsprecher or 'Iron Army field telephone', has come into production. On top of push-to-talk key, 'Armeefernsprechgerät alter Art' had two round shaped keys, one at each side of the telephone body. White key on the right side was Calling Button (Summerknopf) while black key on the left side allowed to increase temporarily, the strength of incoming signals.Made of wood, aluminum, and steel by C. Lorenz A.G., this Field Telephone handset is in EXCELLENT used condition!Some slight marks and wear, due to the age, but that is expected. All the wiring is intact, however the plugs are missing. Features the later wooden ear piece. Ear piece is marked, 'Siemens & Halske A.G.'The 'push to talk' button is also fully functional.Featured the often missing 'fold down' speaker cup. Appears to be mechanically functional, but I have not been able to test it electrically, so I am selling this 'as is'. I have shown the exact handset in use in the last image.A PERFECT item for any collection or display!