Catalog Archive
Auction 112, Lot 144

"Map Showing Lines of the Bell Telephone Companies in the United States and Canada July 1st 1904"

Subject: United States

Period: 1904 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
39 x 25 inches
99.1 x 63.5 cm
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Map covers the entire United States and shows Bell Telephone long distance lines in green and lines of other Bell Telephone companies in red. A most interesting look at the growth of the telephone system with good coverage on the East Coast, less so in the West. Only one connection between the coasts exists through Omaha to Denver. Folded into printed wrappers with a chart on the back cover showing the growth in telephones, noting that 1 in 42 households had a telephone, and 45 messages were transmitted for each inhabitant annually! A scare marketing map for which we found no references.

References:

Condition: B

A few fold intersection splits, else fine. Short marginal tear just touches neatline at upper left, closed with archival tape. Paper cover with a little soiling.

Estimate: $140 - $180

Sold for: $400

Closed on 9/28/2005

Archived