Telephone Answering Machine

Telephone Answering Machine

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Description (Brief)
In 1971, PhoneMate introduced the Model 400 answering machine that held twenty messages on a reel-to-reel tape. An earphone allowed the user to listen privately to incoming messages. Bell Telephone resisted the introduction of answering machines for many years, fearful that people would make fewer calls if they thought they might be recorded.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
answering machine
recording device
date made
ca 1974
maker
PhoneMate
place made
Japan
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 9 cm x 24 cm x 30 cm; 3 9/16 in x 9 7/16 in x 11 13/16 in
microphone: 4 1/2 in x 1 1/4 in; 11.43 cm x 3.175 cm
ID Number
1989.0371.03
accession number
1989.0371
catalog number
1989.0371.03
model number
400
Credit Line
from PhoneMate, thru Shun Yamaura
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Magnetic Recording
Communications
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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