Portable Telephone

ManufacturerManufactured by Gray Telephone Pay Station Company American, founded 1891

PatenteePatented by Western Electric Company Incorporated 1881

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including receiver x depth including receiver): 11 3/4 x 8 x 3 3/4in. (29.8 x 20.3 x 9.5cm)
Other (length x width of key): 7/8 x 1 15/16in. (2.2 x 4.9cm)

ClassificationsEquipment

Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund

Object number2005.135.0a-b

Markings"GRAY TEL.PAY STA. CO/ HARTFORD CONN." printed in raised letters on the back.

The inside of the hand grip portion of the receiver is stamped, "TRADE MARK/ Western Electric/ REG U S PAT OF/ E 1/ MADE IN U S A". The inside of the earpiece portion of the receiver is stamped, "WESTERN ELECTRIC MADE IN U S A 557B".

A yellow paper card printed in red letters is screwed into a slot at the top front of the telephone. The card reads: "THE NUMBER ON THIS PHONE IS/ 24-F-21 [printed in pencil]/ DO NOT DEPOSIT MONEY/ UNTIL OPERATOR ASKS FOR IT".

Three coin slots stick up at the top front of the telephone. From left to right, they are marked "25", "10", and "5".

A small yellow metal plate is screwed into the bottom front of the telelphone, just below a keyhole. The plate is stamped "L31181".

A key to the telephone is attached to the back with a piece of white pipe cleaner. The key is stamped "PAT DEC 19/ 1922" on one side, and "L/ 31181" on the other side.

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