Switchboard Telephone in Good Condition and Working. France, XX Century. Original Piece

This antique telephone, made of wood, bakelite and metal, is a collectors piece: an item original from the early 20th century (circa 1900). It was made in France and has survived to our days in very good condition. Though the telephone works fine it has to be connected to a switchboard operator; the user would say the number he or she wants to talk to and the operator would make contact. This feature and its excellent condition turn the telephone into a real museum piece, worthy of the most demanding collectors.The telephone box is square-shaped, with a compact and solid design. It is made of nice light golden solid wood. The planks are assembled by dovetail joints, made by hand with a surprising precision. The wood boasts a fine protecting finish, shiny and warm, that enhances its beauty. The telephone has a solid wood base with milled edges that stands on four nickel-plated metal legs. The tops piece is composed of a square plank framed by four milled wooden pieces. The crank is made of metal and has solid wooded handle. At the front we can see the black baquelite bell.Attached to the telephones top plank we can see the receiver and the metal piece designed to hold it. All these component parts are made of chromed metal with a regular and shiny surface in great condition. The receiver bears a series of inscriptions, one of which tells us that the telephone was owned by the State. We can also see the articles serial number and the manufacturers name: O. DESPRES CONSTRUCTEUR. There is a blue and yellow sticker on the top plank with the French motto LIBERTE, EGALITE, FRATERNITE.This antique telephone is a charming decorative piece, one hundred per cent original and really well preserved.Measurements: Ancho: 9.8 in/25 cm. Alto: 8.6 in/22 cm.