Telephone receiver and mouthpiece attached to a series of six magnetic steel loops arranged in a circle or "crown" shape. The round, flared mouthpiece/earpiece, made of hard rubber, is centered on the face of the cylindrical body of the receiver. The back of the cylinder supports the magnetic loops as well as a pair of brass binding posts and a metal bracket with two circular holes.

Marked on the face of the receiver, around the edge near the mouthpiece, "SOCIETE DU TELEPHONE EDISON / 45 AVENUE DE L'OPERA / PARIS ANo 61."

Signedmarked near mouthpiece: SOCIETE DU TELEPHONE EDISON

Inscribedmarked near mouthpiece: SOCIETE DU TELEPHONE EDISON / 45 AVENUE DE L'OPERA / PARIS ANo 61

FunctionConversion of electrical signal into sound for output from telephone

Historical AttributesDesigner George Phelps was an engineer and inventor working for Western Union, who designed and conducted demonstrations of a series of unusual-looking telephone receivers. The multiple magnetic loops of this device, designed to enhance variable current induction in the receiver's steel diaphragm, functioned as a handle and way to hang the receiver.

Curatorial RemarksOld tag: "Telephone collection taken from Jeff" Old tag: "Old tag GWP (Pierce?)"

ProvenanceJefferson Laboratory, Physics Department, Harvard University

Published ReferencesThis instrument is described in: Thomas G. Hedberg, "Catalogue: Telephones, Phonographs and Related Instruments in The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at Harvard University." William Andrewes, Project Director (unpublished manuscript, President and Fellows of Harvard College and Thomas G. Hedberg, 1989. Fifth Draft), pp. 39-40.