Early Oilcan, First Style "Ball behind Transmitter"

c. 1898 - The earliest model oilcan had a cast brass base with the serial # stamped into the lower lip of the base. Equipped with Flat-back transmitter, early brass-bottomed receiver marked Stromberg & Carlson.

Shown here is an 1894 Stromberg & Carlson Receiver. This is the earliest style of the SC brass bottom receiver and is very rare. Rather than having the normal Stromberg-Carlson stamped into the outside edge of the brass bottom, it is stamped Stromberg & Carlson. It would have been used on very early SC models, likely much earlier than this Oilcan. I think they are very interesting.

Note: The diaphragm adjustment for this receiver is done by using a key to turn the square peg located inside the receiver. On all subsequent models, the adjustment was made by turning the knurled adjusting band located on the outside of the receiver.

Early Oilcan "Ball behind Transmitter"

c. 1899 - Very similar to first model except change to a spun brass base and serial # stamped in collar at bottom of tapered shaft. Flat-back transmitter, early brass-bottomed receiver marked Stromberg & Carlson.

Stromberg Carlson Telephone Mfg. Co. Model #36

c. 1900-1901 - I display this small wood wall phone because it is unique and the wood in such wonderful original condition. The entire rear compartment houses a large condenser. As do the oilcans during the same time period, it has the ball behind transmitter type mount that seems to be specific to this application. There is possibly another similar SC wood phone as I have an additional mount and transmitter where the mounting holes are spaced slightly different not allowing it to fit on this model.

Oilcan, Last model "Sleeve Mount"

c. 1900 - 1905

Oilcan, Last model "Embossed Transmitter"

c. 1900 - 1905