ottopääte

Ottopääte is a Finnish term referring to a type of early telephone, specifically a candlestick telephone. These telephones, popular in the early to mid-20th century, were characterized by their separate earpiece (ottopääte, literally "take-end") that rested on top of the transmitter and mouthpiece unit. This design distinguished them from later integrated handset telephones. The term "ottopääte" emphasizes the distinct component used for listening. While the technology itself is largely obsolete, the term remains in historical and collector contexts. These devices were often made of metal, with a distinct aesthetic that is now considered vintage. The functionality of an ottopääte telephone was basic by modern standards, involving manual dialing and direct connection. The name highlights the user's action of "taking" the earpiece to their ear.