Kriegsmarine M38 Bunker telephone

A German M35/M38 bunker telephone is a rare, robust, cast-iron communication device used by the German military, particularly the Kriegsmarine, in fortifications and bunkers during World War II. The telephone is characterized by a heavy cast-iron case, which provided durability and protection in harsh bunker environments. The handset is typically made of aluminium. The front cover is secured by three or four triangular-headed bolts, a common feature on this type of equipment. Examples found are often dated around the late 1930s or early 1940s, with a 1942 dated example being noted as particularly rare. Crank Handle: The phone includes an exterior crank handle used to generate a signal (a bell) to notify the operator on the other end of the line that a call was terminating or initiating (magneto call method). Power for operation was supplied by 3 x T30 batteries, which were contained in a separate, wired box (not included with the main unit). The internal components are all in place in complete examples, and the device was intended to be fully functional for establishing a communication line. This telephone was a critical piece of the German military's extensive and reliable wired communication network, designed to function when other methods like radio might fail or be intercepted.

This item:
A very rare Siemens Kriegsmarine bunker telephone with a connection for the Kriegsmarine microphone. The set is complete with the receiver, which is unfortunately overpainted but clearly marked by the manufacturer, Siemens. The interior is sublime; I found a note from a maintenance engineer inside, which is included with the set. A very nice set that could be very useful for renovating a German bunker or as a display piece for a fine collection.