-40%

Vintage apartment-building intercom control panel, interphones, power supply NR!

$ 0.52

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Type: Audio Intercom
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Brand: Connecticut Telephone Company
  • Location: Indoor Only
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Condition: Main unit and power supply were complete and functional when removed from service in 2005. Satellite units are incomplete.

    Description

    This auction is the central components of a vintage
    1928 intercom system for a 33-unit apartment building
    in the Avon Hill neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Included is:
    -
    Master control panel for all 33 units
    . This is the heart of the entire intercom system and was functional when it was replaced by a new system in 2005 after nearly 70 years of sterling service. It has an oak case, glass panel with indicators for all the building's apartments, and a handset for the superintendent to call residents. The handset is a later replacement (perhaps Bell System) and currently disconnected, but is still a vintage item. The control-panel's internals are all present and seemingly complete and undamaged. There's an inspection sticker on the inside dated July 23, 1928, by the Connecticut Telephone Company.
    -
    Two satellite telephone units
    . These were in the two halves of the basement, allowing the superintendent or tradesmen to communicate with residents on the upper floors. One has 17 buttons and front and back panels (in oak, I believe); most mechanics with the exception of earpiece and speaking trumpet. There's the remains of a label inside and it appears to indicate the units were made in Meridian, Connecticut.  The second satellite unit has 18 buttons and has only the back panel and mechanics. The Bakelite buttons are not in good shape, but the switches seem to be operational.
    -
    AC-DC power supply for the entire system
    . It was made the S.H. Couch Company, North Quincy, Mass, and is in completely original condition.
    These components are the core of the building's intercom system and are essentially original from 1928. While the satellite units are not in good condition, the central unit and power supply appear to be essentially complete and were functional when they were removed for storage. There's a section of the main cable tucked within the case of the central unit, it's approximately 1" in diameter.
    This item is guaranteed to match the photos, but is otherwise sold as is. Because of its size, weight, and fragility, this is for pickup only in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For payment, PayPal only, NO EXCEPTIONS. Please do not ask that other forms of payment be accepted or that the auction be ended early; I will decline to do so. This is a no-reserve auction, so happy bidding!
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