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Rare 1950s USI/Siemens Drum Phone (Trommelwähler) United States Instrument For Sale

Rare 1950s USI/Siemens Drum Phone (Trommelwähler) United States Instrument
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Rare 1950s USI/Siemens Drum Phone (Trommelwähler) United States Instrument:
$1450.00

Description:
Up for sale is an exceptionally rare, museum-quality piece of mid-century Cold War telecommunications history: an original1950s \"Trommelwähler\" (Drum Dialer / Barrel Phone) distributed under license by the United States Instrument Corporation (USI) in Charlottesville, Virginia.This specific device features highly desirable, documented import and government marks on the bottom plate that fully tell its historical story:
  • \"Made in Germany\"factory stamp, verifying authentic Siemens & Halske manufacturing.
  • Orange Model Number \"A591-1\"applied at the German facility for the USI export order.
  • Orange Boxed Stamp \"U.S. Inspection 2\", a military or federal procurement mark proving this phone was officially inspected and cleared for secure U.S. government or defense infrastructure.
While the striking vertical thumb-wheel dial mechanism was originally engineered in Germany, the United States Instrument Corp partnered with Siemens during the 1950s to supply these high-end, ergonomic phones for specialized U.S. commercial, military, and federal switchboard networks. Surviving examples with explicit U.S. federal inspection boxes are practically impossible to find, especially in this immaculate condition.[1]Condition Details:
  • Cosmetic Condition:Perfect / Near Mint Condition.The deep black thermoplastic/polystyrene housing is entirely flawless with brilliant luster. No hairline cracks, deep scratches, chips, or chemical fading only minor scuffs as shown to exploded photo of right side of body and handset mouth and ear pieces as expected from normal use.
  • Mechanical Function:The rare vertical drum dial mechanism operates smoothly, pulling down effortlessly and snapping cleanly back into its starting position via the internal spring pulley mechanism.
  • Cords & Components:Handset, feet, and internal components are completely intact and structurally pristine.
This is an investment-grade centerpiece for any collector of antique telephones, military electronics, or mid-century American industrial design.Shipping & Handling:
Will be professionally packed with heavy-duty bubble wrap and double-boxed to ensure safe arrival. Fully insured shipping with tracking. International shipping is available—European and German collectors are welcome to offer!
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