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Antique Western Electric 299F / 48A Five-Bar Telephone Magneto Generator in Original Wood Box
Early Western Electric telephone magneto apparatus housed in its original dovetailed wooden enclosure. The interior contains a substantial Western Electric No. 48A five-bar magneto generator, a type used with early magneto telephone and subscriber-set equipment to generate the ringing current used to signal an operator or another station.
The interior wooden frame is stenciled â299Fâ, while the magneto mechanism is marked â48A.â Western Electric/Bell System documentation identifies the 48A as a five-bar magneto generator and documents its use in conjunction with 299F-type apparatus.
The dark-finished wooden enclosure has dovetailed corner construction, hinged lid, original terminal hardware and a screw-type lid closure. The screw closure remains functional and securely holds the lid closed. Remnants of the original exterior paper identification label remain visible on the lid.
- Manufacturer: Western Electric
- Type: Telephone magneto / subscriber-set apparatus
- Magneto: No. 48A
- Generator: Five-bar magneto
- Case Marking: 299F
- Origin: United States
- Period: Early 20th century
- Case: Dovetailed wood construction
- Lid Closure: Screw closure, functional
- Crank Handle: Missing
Condition: Good unrestored antique condition with substantial age and use wear to the wooden enclosure, including scratches, finish loss, staining and other expected surface wear. The original exterior paper label is heavily worn with only remnants remaining. The interior mechanism and associated hardware are present as photographed. The external crank handle is missing. The screw-type lid closure works and holds the lid securely closed. Electrical/mechanical operation has not been tested. Sold as found and as photographed.
An interesting original piece of early American telephone equipment retaining its Western Electric 48A five-bar magneto, 299F-marked wooden enclosure and much of its original internal apparatus. Suitable for a telephone, communications, railroad, industrial or electrical-history collection, or for restoration.
