Archer/Lafayette Strap-on Telephone Amplifiers
The strap-on telephone amplifier shown was marketed
by Radio Shack® under the Archer® brand name. The picture at the right
is an Archer brand strap-on telephone amplifier.
The volume control is the red wheel at the top left. This allowed the
listener to adjust the volume to a comfortable level. The red "door" on
the right gives access to the battery compartment.
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This product was produced
in Japan and marketed under other brand names including Lafayette®. The
picture at the right is an Lafayette brand strap-on telephone amplifier.
As you can see, it is basically identical to the Archer brand (above).
These amplifiers were very handy for travelers, and could be carried
with you to use on payphones and hotel phones. They were common in the
1960s and the 1970s, with modern versions still available today.
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All these amplifiers used a 1½ volt alkaline "N" cell for power
(bottom
left). The battery door (red) pulls out to give access to the battery.
The unit shown (right) is the Archer brand. |
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The reverse side of the Archer strap-on telephone amplifier. This
side went against the telephone handset earpiece. |
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The amplifier was held over the earpiece of the telephone receiver by
a rubber strap. It picked up the sound inductively and amplified it for
the listener. The amplifier at the right is the Lafayette model. |
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The Lafayette model in its original box, complete with "N" battery. |
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The Novel H-R5 1.3 volt mercury "N" battery used in the Lafayette
telephone amplifier. |
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The original box for the Lafayette strap-on telephone amplifier. View
the
original
instructions that came with the Lafayette model telephone amplifier.
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Strap-on telephone amplifiers are
still sold today under a number of brand names. They have taken on a
square shape unlike the older round versions.
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