Antique Telephone Switchboard or 5-Line Intercom, 1931.

Sober and functional antique telephone switchboard in really good condition, designed to connect 5 phone lines. The switchboard is a wall-mounted model and has solid wooden casing and silvery metalwork. It comes from France and is dated in 1920; it is quite good preserved, being a decorative, authentic and charming piece. The casing is made of solid light-colored mahogany wood, an attractive and sturdy material. The corners of the casing bear lovely dovetail joints, made by hand and in amazing condition. The woods finish shows the logical signs of the trace of time and wear, especially if we take in consideration that this is a piece that was constantly used. Anyway the switchboard remains well preserved. The silvery metalwork is also in good condition, with no traces of rust or wear. The connection jacks for the phone lines are also well preserved and the same can be said about the wiring, the plugs and the metal devices located at the top of the casing. At the bottom of the front panel we can see a metal plate with the name LA TÉLÉPHONIE INTEGRALE (probably the shop where the switchboard was bought), as well as its address in Paris. The metal handset, connected to the panel by a fabric-covered wire, is also the original one. The chrome-plated finish is partially worn, especially in the handle (the handsets central part) where it is completely gone. The rest of the piece is even and shiny and preserves the original engraved inscriptions. Among them we find the name of the manufacturing company (COMPAGNIE DES TELEPHONES THOMPSON HOUSTON) and the serial number Nº B 38894. When we open the casing, inside we find the original wiring and connections in striking condition. This antique telephone switchboard is a very decorative piece that fulfilled its duty for decades. Today, its simple beauty still draws our attention. Measurements: Width: 12.5 in / 32 cm. Height: 13.7 in / 35 cm.