Strowger Automatic Electric Wood Dial Phone and 30 similar items

The Strowger Automatic Electric Wood Dial Phone from 1907 is a vintage collectible telephone that operates just like the original. This authentic piece of history was manufactured in the United States before 1940 by the Automatic Electric brand. With its classic design and functionality, this phone is a unique piece for collectors or those who appreciate the charm of a bygone era. The Strowger wall phone was the first commercially available dial telephone. Almon Brown Strowger was an undertaker in Kansas City in the late 1800's. He believed the local telephone operator was directing all business calls to his competitor, who also happened to be her husband. In order to give subscribers total control over their calls, Strowger invented the automatic telephone exchange a.k.a. dial service in 1891, thereby eliminating the need for an operator intervention in local calls. The phone is 100% original and complete including the dial and switch hook with the dial locking mechanism. The reset bottom on the bottom of the case is original and complete Features the letter "A" for Automatic Electric on the hook switch and a 11 digit dial The case measures 7" wide by 6" deep by 9" tall with the hook switch extending an additional 3.5" An extremely rare phone in incredible condition. Offered as is with no returns. Business since 1979