WWI Era (1912) Desk Phone by the Federal Telephone Co Buffalo, NY

WWI Era (1912) Desk Phone by the Federal Telephone Co Buffalo, NY-This style of phone is known as a grabaphone. It is interesting that the telephone business was not federally regulated in the United States like it was in Europe, so there were many makers of phones in the early years. This is a standard early example, based on the Kellog or Ericsson phone, both of which were popular maker of phones during WW1. This phone is very cool.It has a handset that sits on a pillar that meets at a round steel base. The base and other fittings have lost the majority of their original finish, you can see that approx. 40% of the frosted bronze finish remains. This style of phone remained in use until approx. 1925 when a dial was added. The Federal Telephone Manufacturing Co was a major supplier of the grabaphone. Fed Tel Co of Bufallo, NY bought the dies and remaining parts from Ericssons when their factory closed in 1918. You can see that this is nicely maker marked on the mouthpiece. The receiver is in place, and is unmarked. All of the components appear to be in place. The handle for the receiver and mouthpiece is ribbed. The brown cloth cord is in very good condition, there I some slight fraying, but overall, it is very good. This has a black felt covering on the bottom of the base. This makes a very cool display piece.