Shaver 10 button desk set

Extremely rare Shaver 10 button desk instrument. The Shaver "Dolphin" model was just a year or two earlier than this desk set. Please see the scan from the original patent application (granted in 1899) showing the design of this model. This particular telephone has an "Acme" transmitter, forked switch hook and "Solid" receiver. The body of this desk set is black wood with nickel plated numbers on the face.  I have never seen another Shaver telephone in black like this.  It is complete and in remarkable original condition.