Wilhelm No. 10 Automatic Intercommunicating Portable Desk Set

Wilhelm Telephone Mfg.Wilhelm Telephone Mfg.1898–1910Founded in November 1898 in Buffalo, New York by Walter Wilhelm, an electrician who had been experimenting with telephone transmitters since 1894. The company's signature innovation was the Double Diaphragm transmitter, which used two separate chambers and diaphragms to improve sound quality, patented in 1896. Wilhelm produced candlestick telephones and potbelly desk sets with ornate nickeled brass fittings. He tried several times to sell his transmitter design to the Bell System but was turned down. The company ceased operations by 1913, one of many small independents unable to survive Bell's market consolidation. · Circa: 1898
Categories: candlestick, American  ·  Contributor/source: Pete D'Acosta (website)
Wilhelm No. 10 Automatic Intercommunicating Portable Desk Set

About This Phone

This is a Wilhelm No. 10 automatic intercommunicating portable desk set with a round cast metal base equipped for 10 station calling. It was suitable for offices, banks and other places where the surroundings demanded an elaborate instrument. The Wilhelm double diaphragm transmitter was distinctive and quite unique. 'Solid' outside terminal receiver. Faded tag on the front of base. Wilhelms are some of the most beautiful and desireable candlesticks around. One scan is a great old photograph of an office using a Wilhelm telephone and the other is taken from an original Wilhelm sales brochure.