Phones or intercoms?
 

Were these meant for pbones or intercoms.

Re: Phones or intercoms
 

Given that it's a DC trember bell and no magneto, I would think they were designed as intercoms.

Re: Phones or intercoms
 

It resembles the "Manchester Microphone " arrangement shown in the 1893 GEC catalogue, although this section is dated June 1892. The catalogue only shows the hardware: you were referred to a book of instructions (one copy available free to each customer on request, additional copies 6d) that showed how to connect them up.

Re: Phones or intercoms
 

Some useful information in this thread.
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=84663

Re: Phones or intercoms
 

Yes, these generally operate as intercoms and are powered by local batteries. They are not suitable for connecting to the telephone network!

When "off-hook", pressing the ring button simply places the battery across the line, ringing the DC bell (which is connected across the line when "on-hook") of the remote unit.

When both units are off-hook, it would appear that it uses a simple series connection between the transmitters and receivers.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

It is possible to make an adapter-box with batteries, induction coil, capacitor and relay to get it work as an answering phone on incoming calls, but probably much work for little fun.

dsk

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Thank you for the responses, i did think intercoms but was not sure. Someone has put 2 AA battery holders in them but look horrid. Thanks for the replies and links.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Most likely designed as a pair of internal telephones for manager-secretary, doctor-receptionist or similar duty.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

There was a set of telephones similar to this in Calthwaite Hall, between Penrith and Carlisle; bits of the wiring still remain. They linked the kitchen to the stables. They, and more sophisticated switchable stations were marketed for use in 'big houses' amongst other places.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Of course, what a lovely idea! Ring... ring... "Ee, cook, we'm busy muckin' out 'Er Ladyship's 'osses and we'm right famished! Can you send some cold beef and a loaf o'bread over 'ere quickly-like?" "I don't send packed lunches out to the likes of you grooms and stable-boys! You'll just have to come to the kitchen to eat, like the rest of the staff! And mind you wipe yer mucky boots!" (Line goes dead)

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Speaking to the former tenants of Calthwaite Hall, you're probably not far from the mark. :D Such 'speaking instruments' must surely have halved the work of the butlers and staff: being instructed directly and only making one trip to 'er Ladyship' rather than looking at the flag, walking upstairs, then going for what was required.

I need to check in Herbert G. White's 'Telephone Erection and Maintenance' but I'm pretty sure some sets were made specifically to use existing annunciator wiring without too much modification.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Something similar also exists (non-functional) in the museum at the back of the traditional ironmongers (J.B. Banks) in Cockermouth. I did offer to try getting them into working order, but the offer was never taken up.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

The circuit is actually pretty equal to the one used one our door telephone system installed about 1980!

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Wheel reinvented- not!

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

I thought as much... The first chapter is all about utilising existing bell / annunciator circuits for telephone use. Evidently 'such instruments are in everyday use, and their number is increasing rapidly...' This was October 1922.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

I remember, as an apprentice for Telephone Rentals in the 60's, going to Halliday Hall in Clapham South. They had a system there using similar phones to communicate with each room from a manual exchange. At the time it was student accommodation but I read that it was originally a hotel. As it was a while ago I can't say that the phones were identical.
Don m5aky

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Re #11 etc., see "The servant problem solved .... fixed in a few minutes":- a GEC advert from 1904 for GEEKO intercom telephones for attaching to existing electric bells.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

Haaaahahaha! :D Bit of an unfortunate name there as might be regarded in some circles! That notwithstanding, it's interesting to know that the GECophone, which came later, was pronounced 'Jeekophone'. This is the telephone, not the radio - don't know if that was pronounced the same: soft 'G' rather than hard 'G'.

The instrument mentioned in my book was called a Parlyphone, and was designed to be carried from room-to-room and be plugged into a socket attached to the bell push. Manufactured by the Sterling Telephone and Electric Company, Limited. One of several makes, likely.

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

My understanding was that it was always a soft "G" - having previously been pronouncing it as one for the geeks - so I'm surprised to see the spelling in the advert. Maybe I was correct to start with!

Re: Phones or intercoms?
 

I was told it was 'Jeekophone' by an ex-STE from Skelton who was involved with the original 'GECophone' telephones on the PAX, and who asked the question. He very kindly gave me an original Skelton GECophone, WWII vintage, from the system. :)