microphone
Datecirca 1920
Inventory Number1998-1-0883
ClassificationMicrophone
Subject
Maker
Western Electric Company
1869 - 1995
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions7.5 × 9.4 × 9.2 cm (2 15/16 × 3 11/16 × 3 5/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionA Western Electric ring-mount carbon microphone in a multi-part cylindrical case made of metal. The microphone was probably intended to be suspended by springs inside of a ring-type microphone stand. Four eye hooks spaced evenly around the perimeter of the case, were likely intended to connect to springs.
The base of the case has a series of slits spaced evenly around the perimenter. The top of the case has a circular well into which a handle or bar is inset. The bar is fixed by screws to the edges of the top of the case; the screws have a dab of dried material, possibly insulation,on them.
The base of the case has a series of slits spaced evenly around the perimenter. The top of the case has a circular well into which a handle or bar is inset. The bar is fixed by screws to the edges of the top of the case; the screws have a dab of dried material, possibly insulation,on them.
Signedstamped along top lip of microphone: WESTERN ELECTRIC MADE IN USA / 600 A / PATENT / 1333744 1456538 1603300 / 1611870 1675853
Curatorial RemarksSimilar examples of this type of microphone can be found on the collectors' <a href="http://uv201.com/Microphone_Pages/ring_mount.htm" target="_blank">website</a>.
FunctionMicrophone for capturing and transmitting sound.
ProvenanceFrom the Physics Department, Bowdoin College.
Western Electric Company
Date: circa 1935
Object number: WJ0361
Western Electric Company
Date: 1920-1930
Object number: RS1359
General Radio Company
Date: circa 1984
Accessories: Microphone storage case of wood and plastic
Object number: 1999-1-0082
Western Electric Company
Date: 1936
Accessories: A green felt storage bag.
Object number: RS1113
F. F. Metzger
Date: circa 1927
Accessories: wooden box lined with velvet cushioning;
strain gauge;
iron bar;
steel rod contact points (2);
nails (3) wrapped in paper;
manual;
single stationery paper;
pamphlet (price list)
Object number: 1999-1-0065
General Radio Company
Date: circa 1970
Accessories: calibration chart, included in box.
Object number: 2003-1-0118
Western Electric Company
Date: 1936
Object number: RS0484