Bell System Candlestick
The Bell System Candlestick is a visual representation used in telecommunications to indicate the status of a telephone line. It features a simple design with a vertical pole and a bell-shaped top, which can change colors to signal different conditions, such as active or inactive lines. This system was part of the broader Bell System, a network of companies that provided telephone services in the United States.
Originally developed in the early 20th century, the candlestick design helped technicians quickly assess line status without needing complex equipment. The use of the candlestick is now largely historical, as modern technology has replaced many of its functions, but it remains a symbol of early telecommunications innovation.