This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2022
WHISPERING OR TALKING MEGAPHONE. Omaha: David P. Abbott, ca. 1910. When held to a sitter’s ear, a faint voice emanates from the narrow end of the megaphone, answering questions posed by audience members and written on billets sealed in envelopes. Height 11 ½”, mouth diameter at widest 7 ¾”. Finish chipped. The only example of this device we have encountered. Rare. An unusual variant of the famous Abbott Talking Teakettle and perhaps the only known example. According to Klosterman’s records, this megaphone was created by Abbott for a Dr. Blakeley. It was later owned by Donald Holmes before finding its way into the collection of Dr. John Henry Grossman.