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prototype Bell hand receiver
prototype Bell hand receiver

prototype Bell hand receiver

Datecirca 1877
Inventory Number8002a
ClassificationTelephone
Subject
    Inventor Alexander Graham Bell 1847 - 1922
    User Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University founded 1884
    Cultural Region
      Place of Origin
        Dimensionsboth pieces put together: 16 × 10.1 × 10.1 cm (6 5/16 × 4 × 4 in.)
        Material
          Accessoriesreceiver handle (8002b)
          DescriptionThese instruments (8002a and 8002b) are a prototype hand-held telephone receiver/transmitter, of a shape known as a "butterstamp" design, and are believed to have been built in Bell's workshops in 1877. This design is an attempt to miniaturize an older design, and make it lighter and more convenient.

          This part of the device consists of a circular wooden ring, which holds a flat, circular metal disk. The second part (8002b) features a curved handle, and a squat cylinder containing the works. The cylinder flares out to form the mouthpiece. Inside the cylinder is a bipolar magnet which actuates an externally-clamped diaphragm. The bipolar magnet identifies it as a Bell product.
          Signedunsigned
          FunctionConversion of electrical impulses from transmitttter into sound for output
          ProvenanceJefferson Laboratory, Physics Department, Harvard University
          Historical AttributesApril 1877?
          prototype Bell hand receiver
          prototype Bell hand receiver
          Alexander Graham Bell
          Date: circa 1877
          Accessories: 8002a
          Object number: 8002b
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          Bell Photophone mouthpiece
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          Accessories: transmitter diaphragm and casing (8061b)
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          Bell Photophone transmitter diaphragm & casing
          Bell Photophone transmitter diaphragm & casing
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          Object number: 8061b
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          Object number: 8026