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Ader finger-ring receiver
Ader finger-ring receiver

Ader finger-ring receiver

Date1881
Inventory Number8079
ClassificationTelephone
Subject
    Inventor Clement Ader 1841 - 1926
    Cultural Region
      Place of Origin
        Dimensions3.8 × 3.8 × 4 cm (1 1/2 × 1 1/2 × 1 9/16 in.)
        Material
          DescriptionA compact handheld French telephone receiver, known as a "watchcase" type for its shape, designed by Clement Ader.

          The device consists of a short metal cylinder, with a screw-mounted cap at either end, attached by screws. A split metal finger ring is attached by a screw-mounted bracket to one side, in the center of a circular depression; a trumpet-shaped hard rubber earpiece is attached to the opposite side. There are two ends of green cloth-covered electrical wire visible near the ring attachment, protruding from a circular opening in the receiver housing. The rubber earpiece has a center hole, through which a diaphragm can be seen. The receiver is designed to work with a transmitter known as a "carbon pencil transmitter," which uses a row of carbon rods connected in series.

          Inside support ends are marked "N" and "P"; support & brass back is stamped "1"
          Signedunsigned
          InscribedInside mag. support ends marked: N / P; mag. support & brass back stamped: 1
          FunctionConversion of electrical impulses into sound for output by telephone
          ProvenanceJefferson Laboratory, Physics Department, Harvard University
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          Object number: 8052a
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