The "Telefono da Campo, Modello 1916" is the successor to the "Apparato Microtelefonico da Campo, Modello Anzalone " (1909 [1]) and the predecessor for the "Telefono da Campo per Grandi Distanze, Modello 1917", all three are of very similar design.
The simple and straightforward magneto, ringer, coil setup is mounted into a compact wooden box with space for the monophone type handset.
The handset on my set seems to be from the Modello 1917, the Modello 1916 used a Thomson-Houston handset originally.
The "Modello 16" (and also the "Modello 17") have been made by S.I.T.I (Società Industrie Telefoniche Italiane Doglio - Milano), which later in 1937 became part of F.A.C.E (Fabbrica Apparecchiature per Comunicazioni Elettriche) the Italian ITT/Standard Electric.
From the user guide attached inside the instruments top lid:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
- A) To make a call: turn the generator handle and wait for the ringer to respond.
- B) During a conversation, press the rocker button on the top of the monophone case while speaking. When listening, leave it free to avoid draining the batteries.
- C) Before using the batteries, excite them by pouring pure water into the hole until they are saturated.
- D) When the batteries are exhausted, there's no point in adding more water; they should definitely be replaced.
- E) Never touch the microphone or the receiver; have experienced personnel check for any problems.
- F) Always keep the device away from moisture as much as possible to prevent malfunctions.
Disassembled.
Coil and ringer are mounted to the mian board, magneto is mounted to the case bottom.
3 bar magneto.
Polarised ringer.
Ringer bottom, magneto and handset connections.
Nothing soldered, all connections are screwed.
The coil and the battery connections.
Handset RX side open.
Handset TX side with microphone capsule removed and visible PTT switch setup.
The disassembled handset.
Handset speaker horn.
Empty battery compartment.
Serial number 22183 on main board.
Same serial number 22183 on box rim.
Made by S.I.T.I.
Telefono da Campo, Modello 1916.
User guide, mounted inside top lid.
Ready for use.
Handset also made by S.I.T.I.
The handset is probably from a Modello 1917, according to sources the Modello 1916 used a Thomson-Houston handset originally.
Handset side view.
Handset PTT lever on top.
A spring loaded lid closes the handset cable routing opening.
The battery compartment is labeled "Pile" and beneath the label "Generatore" indicates that the magneto is below it.
The line/earth binding posts feature an adjustable serrated lightning protector.
All neatly stored.
Ready for transport.
On the right side the magneto opening lid is missing.
Top holes are to route the line cables in.
On the left side the opening for the handset cable.
From the back.
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