Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Maker:
Bell, Alexander G.  Search this
Physical Description:
wood (base material)
brass (posts material)
tin (mouthpiece material)
brass (brackets material)
Measurements:
overall: 6 1/2 in x 5 in x 11 in; 16.51 cm x 12.7 cm x 27.94 cm
Object Name:
experimental telephone
telephone
Date made:
1876
Description:
Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated several experimental telephones at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. This unit features a single electro-magnet and could be used both as transmitter and receiver. Bell approached the problem of transmitting speech differently from other telephone inventors like Elisha Gray and Thomas Edison. They were mostly experienced telegraphers trying to make a better telegraph. Bell's study of hearing and speech more strongly influenced his work.
Related Publication:
Sewer, Andy; Allison, David; Liebhold, Peter; Davis, Nancy; Franz, Kathleen G.. American Enterprise: A History of Business in America
ID Number:
EM.252599
Accession number:
49064
Catalog number:
252599
Patent number:
174465
See more items in:
Work and Industry: Electricity
Communications
Computers & Business Machines
American Enterprise
Artifact Walls exhibit
Exhibition:
American Enterprise
Exhibition Location:
National Museum of American History
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-1e5f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_689864