Vintage Telephone Advertisements, Page 1
Considering that they were part of the Bell System, an organization that wouldn't seem to require any self-promotion, Western Electric advertised heavily in magazines and other periodicals. Typically these were top-notch layouts, with styles varying from from bold statements to more subtle, introspective presentations. The ads were a clever avenue by which to enhance their corporate image, often serving as reminders of the significant role the Bell System played in daily life. Eventually hundreds of ads will be included here, a collection that will span over 60 years of telephone history. Although the greatest number of ads will be for the Bell System or Western Electric, the independents will have a presence as well. The small thumbnail images below can be clicked to display larger, higher-resolution versions. Watch for updates, as frequent additions will be made to this archive.
 Automatic Electric promotes their phones as a business tool, 1916. |
 Even in 1934 Bell sought to counter monopoly concerns. |
 Another ad from '34, this one regarding phone sales. The rest is history. |
 Bell System ad from 1937. |
 This 1946 advertisement conveys the role Western Electric plays in the Bell system. |
 Here's another 1946 ad that explains the activities of Western Electric. |
 Another advertisement from '46, this one referencing the rapid expansion of the Bell system. |
 Another '46 ad. A lot goes into providing phone service, and W.E. wants you to know it! |
 This one references the cost and volume of equipment used by the Bell system. |
 This one appeared in a 1947 issue of the trade journal, Telephony. |
 "We drop handsets into their cradles 22,000 times - equal to 4 years' normal use." |
 From 1948, this ad features an imposing Western Electric manufacturing facility. |
 This ad for the Bell System is a personal favorite... ads were fun in 1948! |
 This ad touts the simplicity of operation and comparative reliability of Western Electric phones. From 1949. |
 Western Electric phones are tested and reliable! This ad is from 1950. |
 This 1951 Bell advert targets one of their strong points, a long and proud history. |
 From '53, this Western Electric ad showcases the female assembly workers at their Indianapolis plant. |
 Just think, in 1954 (before telemarketing) people got excited by the ringing of a telephone. |
 This is the left side of a two-page spread from 1954. |
 Right side. You can view the entire ad here. |
 From 1955 comes this ad from the Independent Telephone Companies of America. |
