This model and others of the early 1900's to 1910's were the pioneers of the street versions of red telephone box. They were the internal/semi-external models dating back to the late 1890's to the early 1900's (pre- 1910). These were found not only inside but outside buildings for the first time since the arrival of public telephone cabinets in Australia. Being externally positioned meant they would be in direct exposure to public thorough-fare and for safety and needed to be brightly coloured but also easy to spot for people looking for a public telephone. Thus begun the external red colour schemes that made these boxes not just recognizable to all, but an icon and landmark for the areas they served.

The model in the picture has been dubbed the "coffin" based on the fact that they were small and confined, and very poorly lit with little to no natural light. Ventilation was also very poor in these models seeing most of them being destroyed due to rot failure. They were later altered in design adding 360 degree glazing and improved ventilation to try to combat earlier issues. By the 1920's the "coffins" had all but been replaced by the next generation of fully external models of red telephone box.