 Most recognizable, candlesticks featured a base with a vertical cylindrical neck extending upright for up to in length.At the top of the stand was mounted a carbon microphone ("transmitter") to speak into, and a switch hook extending sideways upon which an ear piece ("receiver") was hung.In order to make or answer a telephone call, the user lifted the receiver off the switch hook, thereby activating an internal switch connecting the telephone to the telephone line.