Object Timeline

1970

1976

  • Work on this object began.

1978

  • Work on this object ended.

1994

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2017

2018

2025

  • You found it!

Qwip 1200 Facsimile Transceiver And Acoustic Coupler

This is a Facsimile Transceiver and Acoustic Coupler. It was designed by Don Rebele. It is dated 1976–78 and we acquired it in 1994. Its medium is molded plastic, cast metal, foam, electronic components. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The Qwip 1200 revolutionized the facsimile business in the United States. Prior to the Qwip’s entry into the market, facsimile machines were similar in size to copy machines. This newly portable model typically sold on a monthly lease program to allow for future upgrades, and transmitted documents in a matter of minutes. The Qwip was advertised with the tag line “Qwip versus Zip” to emphasize the speed of facsimile over mail.

It is credited Gift of William W. Moore, II.

  • Model 500 Telephone
  • molded plastic, metal, rubber.
  • Transfer from Exhibitions Department.
  • 2009-50-1-a/c

Its dimensions are

15.9 x 56.2 x 21.6 cm (6 1/4 x 22 1/8 x 8 1/2 in.)

Cite this object as

Qwip 1200 Facsimile Transceiver And Acoustic Coupler; Designed by Don Rebele (American, b. 1945); USA; molded plastic, cast metal, foam, electronic components; 15.9 x 56.2 x 21.6 cm (6 1/4 x 22 1/8 x 8 1/2 in.); Gift of William W. Moore, II; 1994-56-1-a/c

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Bob Greenberg Selects.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18648893/ |title=Qwip 1200 Facsimile Transceiver And Acoustic Coupler |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>