Lambert Schmidt Telephone Manufacturing Co. tapered shaft desk set
1902
Keystone Telephone Co. No. 43 straight shaft desk set
1902
Keystone Telephone Co. straight shaft desk set
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Keystone TelephoneKeystone TelephoneIncorporated in 1900 by U.S. Representative Robert H. Foerderer, a leather industrialist who had won the grand prize at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Keystone operated as Philadelphia's independent alternative to Bell, making it the last major American city with two competing telephone companies. Because it had fewer exchanges, Keystone used shorter 5-digit phone numbers and advertised itself as "the fastest telephone in Philadelphia." Most businesses kept both a Bell and a Keystone phone on their desks. Keystone is credited as the first phone system to install all wires underground rather than on overhead poles. Bell acquired the company for $13.4 million in 1944, ending service on September 17, 1945. · Candlesticks, American · Source/via: Pete D'Acosta (website)
About This Phone
Beautiful renickled Keystone desk stand. Similar to the other straight shaft listed here but this model is not marked on top of the transmitter, but on the faceplate instead. "Solid" outside terminal receiver. Scan is from a 1910 Keystone catalog.
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