19th c. San Francisco "Pac Tel" Telephone Extension Ringer Box c.1890
$250
ABOUT
A beautifully preserved piece of local California utility history. This solid oak telephone subset ringer box with intact internal mechanism was custom shop-built in San Francisco by the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company. Features dovetail joint construction and authentic nickel-plated brass bells. Stamps include original "1000"-ohm and "Manufactured by Pac. Tel. & Tel. Co. San Francisco Patented" stamped on the top.
- CREATOR Pac. Tel. & Tel. Co.
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DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1890-1900.
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Oak, Metal, Nickel.
- CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
- DIMENSIONS H 6 in. W 6.5 in. D 6.5 in.
HISTORY
In early telephony, standard party-line and local exchange configurations utilized 1000-ohm ringers to draw the correct amount of current from the telephone line without disrupting voice transmission or preventing other phones on the line from ringing.
