Monday, November 30, 2009

Antique Telephone Stand

The H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company was founded in North Bennington, VT by Henry Theodore Cushman, after his service in the Civil War, about 1867. The company was famous for its oddity inventions and unique furniture. For example, the Cushman Company invented erasers, to place at the end of lead pencils. In the late 1800's the company also made coat hangers, pencil boxes, coat racks, towel racks, and foot rests and stools.

At the turn of the century Cushman began manufacturing more substantial furniture. For example, they made 'smokers,' which were stands to store smoking supplies, and the Shynezy chair, which had a storage space for shoe shining supplies. Another piece was the 'Betumal' 'Beat em all" telephone stand, which I acquired from my friend the other day. This unique piece has a hinged stool which fits under the small stand when not in use, and has a glass top inset. I would surmise my telephone stand was made between 1911 & 1913. Underneath the table there's a label that says: "H.T. Cushman. #207."


H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Co. was in business until 1980, and was largely family owned and operated.
MK enjoying the chair.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

You need the Betumal Telephone Log that goes under the glass. Let me know if you want a copy.

Anonymous said...

I bought one just like this picture at an auction curious as to how much it is really worth,

Anonymous said...

I too would like to know the current price for a table like this. Would you be so kind as to let me know?
Thanks a bunch, Linda Reynolds

Anonymous said...

The Cushman Betumal telephone stands were made in a few styles (including a rare corner version), and some had thick beveled glass tops, some wood. The value range is $125 - $675 based on condition and version.

Anonymous said...

We have the "rare" corner version of this table..with beveled glass top..in excellent condition. Do you know a current value?