Upright metal hand crank phone, black Bakelite & chrome receiver.An antique upright black metal hand crank phone produced ca. 1918 for Rikstelefon, the telephone network for Televerket, the Swedish government agency responsible for telecommunications from 1853 to 1993. The word Rikstelefonen means that the telephone could connect between cities (i.e. long-distance). Original black Bakelite and chrome receiver with click switch to facilitate speaking. On each side it is the manufacturer stamp gilt stenciled RIKSTELEFONEN 1918 with lion shield. The Rikstelefon network was supplied with telephones produced by Swedish telephone manufacturer Ericsson. Some fraying to original cord. Age related wear to heavy metal cabinet and black wooden base. Issued: c. 1918 Dimensions: 12"H x 8"L x 6"W Country of Origin: Sweden