A genuine piece of Australian telecommunications history. This vintage switch mechanism was salvaged from a mid-20th century PMG (Postmaster-General's Department) telephone exchange, and has a satisfying press-down lever action reminiscent of an old telegraph key — press the knob, and the hinged bar swings down to make contact across several points at once.
Mounted on tempered "Presdwood" hardboard and stamped Made in Australia, it features brass contact posts, spring-loaded terminals, and a cream bakelite pull-knob worn smooth with decades of genuine handling — honest patina from real service life, not reproduction ageing.
A wonderful find for telecommunications and telegraphy collectors, industrial design lovers, or anyone building a steampunk or retro-tech display. Sold as a display/collector's piece.
Origin: Australian PMG telephone/telegraph exchange equipment
Era: c. 1930s–1950s
Material: Presdwood hardboard base, brass contacts, bakelite knob
Action: Hinged press-down lever, telegraph key-style motion
Condition: Genuine wear and patina; note the green wire is a later, non-original repair
