Antique Telephone Switchboard. Picart-Lebas, 1935

Antique intercom switchboard telephone made in France by the Sté. Anonyme des Téléphones Système Picard Lebas, in 1935. This curious telephone was designed to facilitate the communication between the different departments and employees in a company. It is made of solid oak wood, wonderfully preserved and with a lovely deep black veneer that provides it with an astonishing beauty. The phone preserves all the metal plate that identifies the lines and also the bakelite pieces: the rotary dial, the buttons, the handset and the hearing device. At the top right corner of the front panel there is a metal plate with the manufacturers name (PICART-LEBAS) and address. This company was established in Paris in the early 19th century to produce telephonic material and connections. In the center of the panels, a series of engraved plates indicate which line corresponds to each connection. Some plates show a persons own name and others show a department name. Beside each plate there is a bakelite button that lets the operator establish the connection. All the controls show off an almost impeccable condition that greatly enhances the telephones attractive. Over the telephone switchboard we can see the chromed-metal switch hook where the bakelite handset rests. On one side of the telephone there is a hook from which an independent hearing device hangs; this device is connected to the mechanism by a fabric-covered cord. It is made of silvery metal and black bakelite, and bears the engraved number 3235. The rotary dial is located at the right side of the front panel; it bears red and black numbers and remains quite well preserved, providing a soft and nice operation. Last but not least, the oak wooden casing bears delicate and sturdy dovetail joints and preserves the original finish in amazing condition. All the lovers of turn-of-the-century devices will appreciate the beauty and authenticity of this antique intercom switchboard telephone. Measurements: Width: 10.2 in / 26 cm. Height: 12.4 in / 31.5 cm.