Electrophone table, by National Telephone Company, England, c.1895-1925

Telecommunications

c.1895-1925

Electrophone table, used for receiving concerts and other public events from theatres, churches, etc, which were wired up with Electrophone microphones. One paid an extra subscription and when wanting to hear a play or a concert, one asked to be connected to the Electrophone switchboard at the exchange and asked for the desired concert. The table had connexions for up to six headsets. The idea originated in France but was adopted by the National Telephone Company in the early 1900s (hence the ‘NT’ initials on the underside of the table.) Service ceased in London in about 1925 but lingered on in Bournemouth until the mid-1930s.