Candlestick telephone

the PMG

1905-1920

Candlestick telephone, 'PMG 85154', 'Stalloy', enamel / nickel, unknown maker, supplied by the PMG (Postmaster General's Department), Australia, 1905-1920

Powerhouse

A black candlestick telephone with a silver earpiece sits on a white background. The telephone has a coiled cord and a separate earpiece attached by a wire. Candlestick type telephone dating from prior to per dial period. The telephone has been marked P.M.G. 85154. The telephone has a heavy metal circular base with a cylindrical shaft rising from the middle to a circular mouthpiece. The mouthpiece moves vertically in and out of the receiver. The receiver and hook protrude from a silver coloured shaft. A brown cotton covered cable connects the receiver to the base. A black plaited cable issues from the base and has a four-pronged plug attached to the end. Candlestick or pedestal desk telephones like this were widely used in Australian offices during the first decades of this century. As