1947 USCG/Navy Brass Henschel Corporation Sound-Powered Telephone with Splash-Proof Pedestal

This is a Brass Henschel Corporation Sound-Powered Telephone with Splash-Proof Pedestal. This is an incredibly rare piece of nautical history. Splash-proof telephones were a way for phones to be placed on the deck of the boat without worrying about the water destroying the phone inside. Constructed of brass to prevent the harsh sea air from eating away at the pedestal.

While the Henschel Corporation manufactured the housing, the sound-powered telephone inside was made by the United States Instrument Corp., from Summit, New Jersey. I’ve only been able to find three other times that an item like this has been photographed and uploaded onto the Internet. Likely from the late 1940’s, this telephone has held up in great condition.

“Approval No. 161.005/3/1, Sound powered telephone station assembly, selective ringing, common talking, 8 and 17 stations maximum, waterproof, Dwg. No. 70-526, Alt. 1, manufactured by Henschel Corp., Annesbury, Mass. (This approval supersedes previous aproval No. 161.005/3/0 published in the Federal R egister of July 31, 1947.)”
– Federal Register, 1948, August 6th https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1948-08-06/pdf/FR-1948-08-06.pdf

You will be proud to be showing off this item to friends, family, or patrons at your business.

This item is being sold on consignment for a private collector from Cleveland. Every item has been well-preserved due to the owner’s deep love of nautical history. You’ll find some very interesting pieces in this collection – items that might not be found anywhere on the Internet!