1903 Walnut German Wall Telephone CF Lewert J Berliner

We are offering this fine antique German wall telephone for your bidding consideration.  This telephone measures 17 inches tall, 9 inches wide and 8 inches in depth.

The case on this telephone is made of solid walnut and looks to have the original finish. These are typically called mini pulpit cases. The patina is correct for the age and overall condition is very good – excellent, especially considering age. The only detractor to the condition is a crack on the flat portion just under the mouthpiece. The crack measures 4 inches in length and was caused by age and the drying of the wood.  There is a lock on the front of the case, we dont have the key for this.

All the plated fixtures on this phone, mouthpiece, mouthpiece base, and bells are in very good condition and have just a light pitting. The pitting on the handset is a little more sever but still really nice for the age. All of these would shine up nicely if polished. Incised on the bottom of the case is the following - C.F. Lewert  Berlin No. 43646 Mod 1903.

The handset has a wooden handle and earpiece. The earpiece has incised on it the following: VRDM J Berliner Telephon Fabrik AR.  Overall condition of the handset is excellent. Some pitting on the plated portions but no cracks to the wood parts.

The inside of the phone looks to have all the original parts. I researched these telephones but not much information was available so I was not able to verify if all the parts are present. Please evaluate the pictures for yourself. The magnet which is inside the phone has three bars.

The hand crank does turn freely as expected. I am uncertain if the bells are intended to wring when the handle is turned or not, my guess is not, but in either case, they do not ring when the handle turns. My guess is, the bells will ring when the electric charge is supplied for an incoming call, but this is just a guess. The original cord is also present but is not in the pictures.