NOTE: There were at least two Keystone telephone companies located in Pennsylvania between 1894 & 1945/46.

The earlier known as the Keystone Telephone Co (approx. 1894-1898) was located in Pittsburgh. Additionally, there is evidence of the Keystone Electric Telephone Company (approx. 1901-1905) operating from the same address as the Keystone Telephone Co. Telephones and telephone parts produced by various manufacturers with Keystone attributes were utilized by Keystone from the Pittsburgh era. Some related manufacturers most likely were Western Telephone Construction, Manhattan Electric Supply, American Electric, Northwestern Telephone Equipment Co. and Burns.

Keystone Telephone Company of Philadelphia conducted business from approx. 1900-1945/46 and utilized telephones manufactured by American Electric with attributes specific to Keystone. These attributes seemed to vary depending on the production year. There is speculation that all the Keystone companies were in some way related.

Keystone #43 Philadelphia Type

c.1902-1910 - This stick was supposedly produced specifically for Philadelphia service by Keystone. The transmitter cup is marked with the Keystone logo on the top and a serial number on the underside. From what I have found, it appears all Keystone telephones were produced by American Electric Company. This example is equipped with a rare American Electric pony receiver, used at the turn of the century on Keystone telephones. It appears in the 1900 catalog, therefore likely appropriate for this model during early production.....Besides, I like the look.

NOTE: Equipped with an American Electric glass mouthpiece often referred to as a "propeller mouthpiece." The adapter has threads that are tapered to fit various transmitters.

Keystone #43 Philadelphia Type (Another Variation)

Keystone Telephone Co. of Philadelphia Adjustable Telephone

c.1903 - 1906 - This Burns Adjustable Telephone (or Burns Bracket Scissor Gate) for use on Flat or Roll Top Desks was offered in the Central Energy Telephone, American Electric Telephone Co. Bulletin No. 20. Although the bulletin is not dated, it appears from other documentation this phone was offered in 1903 - 1906, possibly as early as 1902.

According to the bulletin, the model with circuit #101 was produced specific for Keystone.

The model pictured here has KEYSTONE TELEPHONE CO PHILADELPHIA PAT APLD. FOR stamped into the transmitter backcup. On the scissor arm is stamped AMELEC.TEL.CO. MANFRS. CHICAGO PAT.APLD.FOR.

The "American Beauty" transmitter is unmarked and has no number tag.

Additionally, there are two different perches used on both the #43 Philadelphia Type (above) and this model. Equipped with an extremely rare American Electric #26 brass bottomed receiver.

NOTE: This Adjustable Phone, as well as the #26 and the #25 receivers are all displayed in the same American Electric Bulletin. (The #25 receiver is pictured on the manual phone below.)

Keystone Iron Box Telephone Set

c 1910 - In the American Electric Central Energy Catalog, this phone is identified as the #55 Iron Box, made for special and regular hotel service for the Keystone Telephone Co. of Phila. Described in the 1910 Keystone Co of Phila. Catalog as the #4 Iron Box Telephone Set with black enamel finish suitable for hotels, factories, and residence service.

Pictures in both catalogs show this phone with the earlier transmitter (as shown on the Phila model above). This one was found with the later style stamped with the Keystone logo which appeared sometime shortly after 1910.

Keystone Manual #1

c.1903-1912 - With earlier style #25 inside terminal receiver. Third picture shows inside base view.

Keystone Manual #2

c.1903-1912 - NOTE: Only differences of these manual sticks is the inside base as shown. Any information regarding reasoning of the wiring deviation, please contact me.