Ericsson receiver
Date: circa 1879
Inventory Number: 8014c
Classification: Telephone
Dimensions:without cord: 15.8 × 6.5 × 6.5 cm (6 1/4 × 2 9/16 × 2 9/16 in.)
Accessories: Ivory signaling rattle
DescriptionAn Ericsson magneto telephone receiver/transmitter made of hard rubber and nickel-plated metal, of the type known as a "butterstamp" style.
Receiver consists of a handle, a straight-sided cylinder of hard rubber, and a pair of terminals or binding posts on one end and a bell-shaped mouthpiece/earpiece on the other end. The terminal end has a rounded, nickel-plated molding; the mouthpiece/earpiece end has a series of rounded nickel-plated moldings that expand into a bell shaped receiver/transmitter. A diaphragm covers the end of the bell, which has a molded, dish-shaped earpiece/mouthpiece with a circular center opening. A pair of slotted screw heads and washers is mounted on opposite sides of the handle, near the diaphragm end.
The end of the handle has a short length of twisted cord, to which is attached an ivory-colored, barbell-shaped "rattle," used to signal the telephone operator by knocking on the receiver/transmitter.
Stamped near top of the handle, "C L 14227 11 2"; scratched in the handle, "E 53."
One of a series of four similar Ericsson receivers, items 8014a-d.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedtop of handle stamped: C L 14227 11 2;
scratched in handle: E 53
FunctionConversion of electric signals into sound for output by telephone; ivory rattle used to bang against diaphragm to signal operator
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 William Andrewes, Project Director (unpublished manuscript, President and Fellows of Harvard College and Thomas G. Hedberg, 1989.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. 48-49.