Vintage Phones

[Nic Charles]

Telephones

Probably the two most popular telephones were the Western Electric Model 202 (introduced in the 1920s) and the Model 302 (introduced in the 1930s). The Model 202 also requires a "Ringer Box", which is a seperate unit, because it does not have a self-contained ringer like the 302 and later models. You can pick these up on ebay, completely refurbished and functioning (yes, you can dial out on them) for around $200. I own one of each and use them on a daily basis. I'll try to post some images of mine later.

 

[bakelite]

British Bakelite Telephones

Probably the two most popular telephones were the Western Electric Model 202 (introduced in the 1920s) and the Model 302 (introduced in the 1930s). The Model 202 also requires a "Ringer Box", which is a seperate unit, because it does not have a self-contained ringer like the 302 and later models. You can pick these up on ebay, completely refurbished and functioning (yes, you can dial out on them) for around $200. I own one of each and use them on a daily basis. I'll try to post some images of mine later.

The most popular Bakelite phones in England is the 332 (see the ivory one below). These were produced in the 1940's and 50's

 

[gluegungeisha]

My grandparents gave me their phone when they sold their house. Nothing fancy, but I use it everyday and it works very well. I love the ring, and not having to worry about dying batteries.

 

[BegintheBeguine]

Ooh, now we know your number! No, I'm kidding.
I have three telephones like that in use at my house. The phone company finally stopped charging me for them every month so they're mine, all mine.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I just acquired this magnificent Stromberg/Carlson 1243 desk phone, weighs in at over 6 pounds and made of metal and bakelite.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Also found this site with number cards you can download and print for your phone if it's missing or if you want to replace one with your own number.
Just re-size the image to an inch and a half before printing to assure a proper fit in the dial.
http://www.telephonearchive.com/numbercards/index.html

 

[KittyT]

We had 2 white tabletop rotary dial phones when I was a kid. I wonder what ever happened to them?

I don't have a fancy phone now (unless my cellphone counts) but I have been wanting an Ericofon for awhile. I'm suprised no one here has mentioned them yet, as they first appeared in the late 40s.

More on the Ericofon at http://www.ericofon.com/

 

[BegintheBeguine]

My step-dad stole phone lines and had at least one phone in every room in their house. One was an Ericofon in gray, I think.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

We had 2 white tabletop rotary dial phones when I was a kid. I wonder what ever happened to them?

I don't have a fancy phone now (unless my cellphone counts) but I have been wanting an Ericofon for awhile. I'm suprised no one here has mentioned them yet.



More on the Ericofon at http://www.ericofon.com/

Space-age ergonomic design. I want a green one.

 

[KittyT]

Space-age ergonomic design. I want a green one.

I want one in every color, like this guy:

 

[Pink Dahlia]

I believe I read it's required that phone companies provide outward dialing for rotary phones. I plugged mine in and dialed right out. Have you ever dialed someplace like the electric company and the recording says 'If you have a rotary phone, stay on the line,'?

I wonder if that means you get to talk to a real person as opposed to some damned machine?

 

[skyvue]

Maj. Nick, I'll be in the market for a vintage phone soon, and that's just the type I had in mind (though I think I want to go with an old-style cloth cable, both between the phone and the wall and between the receiver and the bodhy of the phone).

Where did you get that one, if you don't mind my asking? I've found a few dealers of vintage phones online, but don't know which ones are reliable and trustworthy.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Maj. Nick, I'll be in the market for a vintage phone soon, and that's just the type I had in mind (though I think I want to go with an old-style cloth cable, both between the phone and the wall and between the receiver and the bodhy of the phone).

Where did you get that one, if you don't mind my asking? I've found a few dealers of vintage phones online, but don't know which ones are reliable and trustworthy.

Found it on ebay. Apparently from a guy that refurbishes old phones as a few others were listed with this one. You might find parts here,...http://www.oldphoneworks.com/index.asp?currency=USD
Or here,... http://www.sandman.com/telhist.html
I know I saw modern retro-fit cloth covered cords somewhere among all these links.
(I can PM ebay info to you when you have posted enough times to be able to receive PMs,..)

 

[Rosie]

I just acquired this magnificent Stromberg/Carlson 1243 desk phone, weighs in at over 6 pounds and made of metal and bakelite.

Ooooooooo Maj. Nick, that's BEAUTIFUL! Wow!

I'm hoping (fingers crossed) to bring home this cutie for my (my goodness, I still can't believe it isn't finished) kitchen.

 

[skyvue]

Found it on ebay....(I can PM ebay info to you when you have posted enough times to be able to receive PMs,..)

That would be great, Nick -- thanks.

 

[panamag8or]

I have one of these:

Kellogg F118 Grab-a-phone. The inspection sticker on the bottom is dated Jan. 23, 1926. Mine isn't ready to use, but it would be nice to get it working as an extension, since there is no dial.

There are several old phones in my grandmother's garage, I'll have to go digging.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Ooooooooo Maj. Nick, that's BEAUTIFUL! Wow!

I'm hoping (fingers crossed) to bring home this cutie for my (my goodness, I still can't believe it isn't finished) kitchen.

Thanks Rosie, I quite like it. That red phone has a cold war - hot line look to it.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

If y'all happen upon one of these ,...

grab it if it's working or not!

 

[ScionPI2005]

Here's my desk with my vintage phone and fan. Only thing is that it scares the poo out of me every time it rings.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

My phone's loud ring used to startle me at first too, but I got used to it after a week or so. I grew up with that though.
You could dampen the ringer by putting a little black electrical tape on the clapper. Mellows it out.