Vanity Phone

WESTERN ELECTRIC
CABINET DESK SET
"Vanity"

Cabinet sets (commonly called 'vanities'), made of oak or cherry, had the entire telephone circuitry sitting on the flat surface of the desk. The transmitter was bolted to the top of the desk. Within the glass enclosed top was found the magneto, bell, induction coil and switch. Batteries were found in the cabinet beneath the top of the desk, except when used as a common battery phone. Note the early number 208 long distance transmitter on this model.

The vanity was generally found in semi-public locations such as hotel lobbies and office settings.


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