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Subiaco Museum > Records

TELEPHONE: SWITCHBOARD

1900 - 1920
Overview

Upright Tasmanian oak switchboard with a receiver on a bracket on its left and a handle and bell on its right. The board in front has a pyramid of 'Jacks' or holes, with '9-10' at the apex. There are 10 plates in a horizontal row across at the top and 11 plugs. To the left of the pyramid is a button marked N.A. At the base of the pyramid are a few words: 'Public Phone, Office, McEachern, Jones, Bedroom'. and on the extreme right: 'Leonora'. Connection was made by the plugs connected to flexible cords [missing] which are pushed into the holes which are really sockets concealing the metal points. The operator turns the handle to call the person who is receiving the call. The metal plates fall open as the call comes through. The history of the switchboard is not known, but it was probably used in a small firm or private hotel [note 'bedroom'].

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-43-1992.143
Item type
Objects
Material
Metal
Width
350 mm
Height or length
540 mm
Depth
190 mm
Themes
Communication
Keywords
Postal Service
COMMUNICATION
Year
1900
Year End
1920
Statement of significance

Early example of a switchboard.

Subiaco Museum

Subiaco Museum

Organisation Details
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