The units for sale are reproductions of a Columbia Gray Label version of the #6 wax sealed dry cell battery produced in 1923 by the National Carbon Company (NCC).  NCC was the first to market the #6 dry cell in 1896, and was the sole source of #6 dry cells for the auto industry and telephone companies in the early 1900s.  The top of the dry cell was originally sealed with pitch.

This reproduction of a version of Columbia Gray Label units was likely marketed between 1923 and 1930.  Around 1930 NCC began incorporating metal to seal the top so the pitch was no longer visible.  Batteries of this configuration with Fahnestock Clips were commonly used in local battery telephone systems from the 1920's forward.    

As Western Electric began producing its own Blue Bell label dry cells around 1908, NCC became a secondary source to the the Bell System companies while remaining the primary source to the non-Bell independent phone companies.  If you have a post 1920 Automatic Electric, Kellogg, Leich, or Stromberg-Carlson magneto telephone, these reproductions would be historically correct for display inside.

These units are configured to produce 1.5V each with two D-Cell battery holders (wired in parallel) and feature a wax sealed top entry access for easy replacement of the batteries (not included) when necessary.   Cell dimensions (6-1/2”H X 2-5/8" Dia.), weight (2 lbs. W/D-Cells), label graphics, and Fahnestock Clips are consistent with the original Columbia telephone service dry cells produced between 1923 and 1930.