Original WWII US Army Signal Corps BD-71 Field Telephone Switchboard with Legs by Leich Electric - Dated 1943

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition, WWII issue, complete BD71 switchboard set by Leich Electric. It comes with its original legs, which allow it to stand at a tall roughly 36” tall. 

The original data plate reads:

SIGNAL CORPS    U.S. ARMY
SWITCHBOARD BD-71
SERIAL NO. 64    ORDER NO. 31107-PHILA-43
LEICH ELECTRIC CO. 

This dates the set to 1943, with a very early serial number of 64! The interior retains the original wiring diagram. We have not tested the functionality of the switchboard, but we do not see why it could not be restored to working order.

The latches are in working order however some have some bubbling of the paint and oxidation poking through. The original canvas strap is retained. Overall the unit measures roughly 18 x 9 ½ x 14” when fully closed.

This is an excellent example that comes ready to display!

Technical specs of the BD-71/72:
Field or camp monocord 6 Line Switchboard, cabinet style, self-enclosing, with handles and carrying strap; not requiring packing case. Total weight about 48 pounds, packed. Equipment is accessible from front, top and rear of cabinet. Line drop acts as ring-off or re-ring drop. A lamp on each side of switchboard furnishes illumination for night operation. Lower half of front acts as writing shelf and has a sheet of white pyrolin erasable writing surface for diagrams or other data. Trunks to other switchboards must be of the ringdown type. Simplex coils provided on two line units for telegraph or phantom use. Two BD-71 switchboards can be used together to double capacity. Spark gaps provided on lines. Includes hand generator for ringing.