MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASS. — White’s Auction has been making a market in early telephones and communications items and that was again the case on June 23, when what is known as a long distance wall set transmitter went to the top of the sale, finishing at $11,430, including buyer’s premium. Consisting of a japanned metal case with nickel-plated cap and arm, this American Bell telephone with patent dates of 1878-1886, truly was your grandfather’s telephone. It also featured a hard rubber mouthpiece, measured 11½ inches long by 6½ inches wide and weighed 6 pounds. It sold to it sold to a gentleman on the floor bidding for his client by phone, according to Katherine Black, the firm’s co-owner. There were many other early telephones and related parts, as well as general antiques in this auction. Watch for more highlights coming in a later review.