TELEPHONE No. 26

This telephone preceded the Telephone No. 4 as the standard CBS No. 1 or Magneto table set.

Originally known as the "Table Telephone, with Magneto Bell" but was renamed as the Telephone No. 26 circa 1911..

This instrument was intended for use on telephone exchange systems where the subscriber is called by generator and the telephone calls the exchange on the permanent current system.  It was later used on C.B.S. Exchanges.

The hook on the right hand side of the telephone is for a Watch Receiver, if fitted.

Probably introduced as a table telephone to replace the Gower-Bell wall telephones.

The batteries are housed separately and a battery box is shown in the picture to the left with the telephone sitting on top.

Early versions of this telephone had a Magneto double-coil bell motor resistance of 50ohms + 50ohms.  Later the resistance was 300 + 300 ohms and the last of the production run was the standard GPO resistance of 500 + 500 ohms.

The magneto bell is of the single dome type and can be removed by taking off the dome and then removing the two connection screws.  Adjustment of the bell hammers is effected by means of two screws in the armature, against which the hammer springs are set.

This set is similar to the Telephone No. 20, No. 22 and No. 24 all of which have DC bells.

Early table telephones were connected to the internal premises wiring with a Strip, Flexible Cord Connection.  Click here for more information.

This telephone was also used in WW1 by the military.  These were fitted into a self contained leather case with carrying handle.

Made by Ericsson and introduced circa 1901.

Found in the 1906, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1915 Rate Books.

The handset is a Telephone No. 28.

Telephone includes (1910, 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1915):-
1 x Coil, Induction No. 1.
1 x Cords, Flexible No. 402.
1 x Strip, Cords Flexible, Connector, 4-Terminal, Mounted.
1 x Telephone No. 28.

Circuit Diagram - EC1132 and N126.

Last revised: October 26, 2025