Vintage Phones

[tonyb]

^^^^^
I used one at work, back in the mists of time (c.1992).

 

[Mister Cairo]

As we are in the process of designing our new farm house, and as I am able to treat myself to a library/office, I am working on a 1920s/30s period design and look, art deco where possible but not exclusively. I am slowly trying to piece together certain items in advance, and a phone appeared that is a nice first step.

I got a restored c. 1939 Northern Electric No. 1 phone, Canadian built, modelled on the Western Electric 302 as I recall, but having a wider base. The shell has been restored (sandblasted and powder painted) as the original surface was not salvageable. Pulse to tone converter and a new handset cord, though I can get a new cloth-covered cord later if I want, it is an expense though.

I have only quickly unpacked and tried it out, to the amusement (and initial terror when it rang!) of our daughters. I had to teach them how to "dial".

Sorry about the first front view, my high-tech "smart" phone is not as good at focussing as one would think (or, it was my fault for not letting the auto focus work...):

I cannot believe it has been 7 (SEVEN!!!) years since I posted this. That 12 year old wee girl in 7th grade is now 19 and in first year at the University of Victoria, BC!

AND only now is my dream library coming to its conclusion!

The phone, a 1935 Canadian Northern Electric, has travelled to our new home amd waited patiently for 6.5 more years. With a power booster owing to fibre optic cable phone service, soon it will sit and ring on a 1930s Czech Bohemian Art Deco desk!

More pics to follow!