Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Collector's Corner => Topic started by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 12:06:36 AM

Title: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 12:06:36 AM
Here are a couple of group pictures of some of my clear telephones.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HobieSport on December 29, 2009, 12:25:56 AM
Wow, Jim, what an incredibly amazing part of your collection! Do you have a website about your telephone collection that we can look at? Wonderful. Thanks for posting pictures. We all love pictures. 8)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: stub on December 29, 2009, 01:37:28 AM
Jim ,  I could see very clear till I got to the 2nd pic and then you knocked my socks off with that !!!!!!!!SPECTACULAR !!!!!!!!!!!  Strowger Potbelly deskset WOW!!!! Wait a minute and let me get my breath and put my tongue back in my mouth!!!!!    I know this is about clear phones!!! Sorry everybody, I can't help it , that phone has been on my wish list for a long time!!!! Other people have gold fever,  I have   PHONE FEVER for this one!!!
      Fantastic collection of telephones!!!    Jim please let us see the rest of your collection . I'll try to get past the Strowger desk set .   BTW is it a 1906  11 hole?
       Very nice shelves also.       stub
           
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: AET on December 29, 2009, 03:30:22 AM
Nice shelves, nice clear phones, nice phones in general!!!  I am GREEN with envy!!!!!  And I LOVE that Stowger Candlestick!!  Wow! All I have left to say is Wow!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HobieSport on December 29, 2009, 11:02:09 AM
Jim, I think most of us may be in various stages of speechless awe of your collection, and would love to see pictures of your full collection sometime. 8)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: dsk on December 29, 2009, 12:12:06 PM
I'm really impressed.

Do you have a Norwegian one? (actually I have never seen one, but it has been made 300 of the 1953 modell. That is all!

dsk
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Dan/Panther on December 29, 2009, 01:55:13 PM
One word...Impressive...
D/P
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 08:28:25 PM
Quote from: HobieSport on December 29, 2009, 12:25:56 AM
Wow, Jim, what an incredibly amazing part of your collection! Do you have a website about your telephone collection that we can look at? Wonderful. Thanks for posting pictures. We all love pictures. 8)
Thanks Matt,
A web site is on the to-do list (it has been for years). I will post more pictures as time goes by.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 08:43:00 PM
Quote from: stub1953 on December 29, 2009, 01:37:28 AM
Jim ,  I could see very clear till I got to the 2nd pic and then you knocked my socks off with that Strowger Potbelly
       let us see the rest of your collection . I'll try to get past the Strowger desk set .   BTW is it a 1906  11 hole?
       Very nice shelves also.       stub
           

Hey Stub,
It didn't occuor to me that the strowger was in the photo. It is auctually my second strowger stick. The first was probably the worst worn complete strowger known, I got it as part of a collection years ago. I had to sell it to pay for the collection. It is in a telephone pioneers muesuem somewhere in Texas.

The one you are drooling over, I found locally at an antique mall, they called me because I always stopped by and left cards regarding buying telephones.  I paid $650 back when strowgers only brouht $1800.
It is the #2 1/2. It is a cross between the 2nd and 3rd modee (small transmitter). There were a lot of them made with the small transmitter, It is 11 hole. I have been told by knowledgable collectors, that it is one of the best examples known.

Thank-you for your comments,
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 08:46:36 PM
Quote from: AtomicEraTom on December 29, 2009, 03:30:22 AM
Nice shelves, nice clear phones, nice phones in general!!!  I am GREEN with envy!!!!!  And I LOVE that Stowger Candlestick!!  Wow! All I have left to say is Wow!

Thanks Tom,
The shelves were free from a friend. I am envious of a lot of the soft sets I see posted. I have never found a straight grey cord set,. When I was your age I only had about 12 phones. None of them were "cool"
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 08:51:45 PM
Quote from: HobieSport on December 29, 2009, 11:02:09 AM
Jim, I think most of us may be in various stages of speechless awe of your collection, and would love to see pictures of your full collection sometime. 8)

Matt, 1 day I would like to see my whole collection as well., Due to space considerations, it rotates.
Jim S
BTW
Check out Doug's collection, That is what happens when the infection really sets in.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 08:55:59 PM
Quote from: d_s_k on December 29, 2009, 12:12:06 PM
I'm really impressed.

Do you have a Norwegian one? (actually I have never seen one, but it has been made 300 of the 1953 modell. That is all!

dsk
dsk,
I was offered 1 years ago, I could not afford it (ISTR around $3,000). I should have a photo somewhere (deep) in my files. I have never paid more than $650 for a phone, and typically $350 is about my cash  limit. anything more expensive needs to be part of a trade.

Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2009, 08:57:04 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on December 29, 2009, 01:55:13 PM
One word...Impressive...
D/P
Thans Dan,
It is amazing how a collection can grow when you aren't looking.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: AET on December 30, 2009, 01:04:56 AM
Free is good!  I feel ya.  I got my first really cool phones all this month, one from Greg, one from Dennis, and one from my parents.  Otherwise it was just some not-too-intresting 500's and a starlite, and a 554, and some other run of the mill stuff.

Quote from: Jim S. on December 29, 2009, 08:46:36 PM
Quote from: AtomicEraTom on December 29, 2009, 03:30:22 AM
Nice shelves, nice clear phones, nice phones in general!!!  I am GREEN with envy!!!!!  And I LOVE that Stowger Candlestick!!  Wow! All I have left to say is Wow!

Thanks Tom,
The shelves were free from a friend. I am envious of a lot of the soft sets I see posted. I have never found a straight grey cord set,. When I was your age I only had about 12 phones. None of them were "cool"
Jim S.

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 30, 2009, 01:32:08 AM
Tom for your age and your era and to your friends , all your phones are cool.The stuff you you got free this month is cool to those of us that have been at it for a while. If you make it to a phone show that  I attend, I will give you some cool stuff for attending   I will also give you some cool junk.
If you advise me you are attending, I will even make it a point to bring some extra boxes of cool phone junk just for you.  In fact If you you e-mail me your address ( from this posting) I will send you a flat rate care package of cool phone junk, including a butt set, some spare  parts and trinkets that I have kicking around. I have always believed in promoting the hobby. You young-uns are the future of the hobby.
Jim

The next show I plan on attending is May !, 2010 and is sponsored in part by TCI
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: AET on December 30, 2009, 01:34:48 AM
Where is the show?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Dan on December 30, 2009, 03:31:26 PM
I can see clearly now you have nice phones... ;D
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Greg G. on January 01, 2010, 03:22:29 AM
Quote from: Dan on December 30, 2009, 03:31:26 PM
I can see clearly now you have nice phones... ;D

He's very transparent about his collection...
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: McHeath on January 01, 2010, 01:28:29 PM
I remember those clear Trimlines in the 80's with the neon colored parts inside. 

You could still make a clear 2500 if one were so inclined, the needed parts are still being made and quite inexpensive. 
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: AET on January 01, 2010, 05:40:12 PM
Very interesting, I've got a few 2500s from my ma's plant.  I may have to do this.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 04, 2010, 07:59:29 PM
I would say there are at least 20-30 different clear trimline styles. I call these novelty trimlines. I have a bunch of them that I used to pick up at thrift stores when my collection was lean, and I was itching for a phone.
As far as clear unmarked 2500 housings. There are a bunch of different ones out there. The biggest difference is the thickness and clarity of the plastic. They also have transparent pink and Blue. NT also made a finally run of smoke tint 2500 style e-phones. These were given to the employees on the line. I have 1 and I have seen 2 others. However instead of making a generic clear 2500, you may as well use the housings on cooler 2500 variations. I used my first clear 2500 (generic) housing to create a 1500. Since then I have used them on turn key and plunger sets(you need to use the original grip). Also some of the later generic 2500 type phones have clear touchpad masks and extra buttons. These make great cores. I want to eventually drill out a housing for a headset phone.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: McHeath on January 07, 2010, 02:28:36 PM
Here is a company that has clear housings for 2500s Tom:

http://www.fivestarphones.com/index.php?cPath=59_179 (http://www.fivestarphones.com/index.php?cPath=59_179)

I don't know if the have the clear housings however, but you could ask as I got a certain handset out of them once by asking after not finding it on their web site.

I've bought 2500 housings from them and they are surprisingly thick and well made.  Thicker in fact that the WE housings were for that model, at least the ones I have.  They have a fully chromed 2500 that is pretty cool, but they want a king's ransom for it.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: teka-bb on January 28, 2010, 07:26:48 AM
Hello Jim,

Do you already have this one:

(http://cti.infc.info/index.php?option=com_joomgallery&func=watermark&catid=24&id=51&Itemid=2)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 28, 2010, 06:05:11 PM
Remco,
I don't have one of those (yet), However I did just get a photo of one.

What model is it?

Thanks,
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: teka-bb on January 28, 2010, 07:07:16 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on January 28, 2010, 06:05:11 PM
Remco,
I don't have one of those (yet), However I did just get a photo of one.

What model is it?

Thanks,
Jim S.

It's one of the T&N (Telefonbau und Normalzeit) T4 luxury models.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: WesternElectricBen on January 22, 2013, 10:41:17 PM
I have a clear 2500 and tirmline from the eighties.
Ben
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Phonewizard on August 25, 2013, 01:37:49 AM
I am looking for a clear WE 500 set. Please let me know if you have one for sale.  It does not have to be perfect as long as it shows well.   I have a clear Leich convertible with blue dial and handset (yellowed) and  a Stromberg Carlson 500 set with a Black dial and the clear handset is damaged.  I have a bunch of 2500 soft plastic cases that are unbranded.  
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on August 25, 2013, 02:25:57 AM
Does it have a "Designed by Steven Rogin" sticker on the bottom?  These sets outgassed from clear to orange to yellow. Mine was orange and then changed.
I think SC always used a colored dial on their clear 500's. I have owned 3 different styles of clear SC500's. My favorite one has a clear network. My NOS one has a clear 4 prong FEMALE end. Vern ended up with my Rogin set.

I think the Rogin sets were a sales gift from Steve Rogin. This is only a guess.

I was told the clear leich housings should be somewhat common. 1was typically shipped with a case of housings. It's purpose was so the installers could learn how to swap the housings. I only Know of 1 other leich housing (badly distorted) and a complete leich w/ clear handset. I suspect the complete leich was a sales sample vs a practice housing.

My clear phones are currently packed, but I may have a spare WE 500 that I would sell, probably a modular set.
I have owned 6 WE 500 sets, I don't know offhand  how many I currently own.
JMO,
Jim

Clear phones show stress hazing and  cracks a lot easier than a colored phone, Many of the clear sets out there have some cracks or hazing from stress.


Do the 2500's have a number inside the housing?  The ITT/Cortelco cases are the most common of the unmarked clear housings, and they have a long # by the cradle. I don't recall they # , but all I compared had the same #

Later clear housings are typically an acrylic type plastic, and came in clear, clear blue and clear pink. I think the acrylic 2500 housings were sold as "kits" (no phone, just cords and plastics). I don't know the manf.

There are some other varieties of generic clear housings as well, they seem to be small batches and were probably special order items.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Phonewizard on August 26, 2013, 12:00:16 AM
Yes it does "Designed by Steven Rogin" sticker on the bottom.  It is dated Jun 1970.

I found in the Western Electric Design Line book  (scanned by David Massey) a listing of a clear 500DM-29 clear phone.  I am sure this phone is modular. 

When you dig out phones and discover you have a spare WE 500 set let me know.

I had a chance to buy one 3 years ago at a phone show but spent my phone budget on an A1 instead.  I did not have enough to buy both.  I should have bought the clear 500 because since I seen at least a dozen A1's show up on e-bay.

I am trying to collect 500 sets in every color made including colors not made by Western Electric. I called Paul Fassbender had a nice long chat with him.  While he has a fairly good idea of what colors were made before 1983 there were some new colors introduced towards the end of production of the 500 sets branded AT&T but no one appears to know for sure what all of them are.

I bought an entire case of 2500 clear plastic intending to resale them.  Then ITT came out with their clear case phones.  This sort of knocked the wind out of my plans.  The ITT cases were very clear.  The ones I have were less clear and have a hint of milky cast to them and the plastic quite thick.  They also have been notched with a tool to make them modular. I just got one out and there are no marking at all on them.  Not even any mold numbers. They have not discolored at all even the ones that have been out and in use for years.   I am fairly sure these were some sort of small patch made by one of the after market case makers.  This all happened years ago.  I may be mistaken but I think I found the cases from a suppler advertising in Telcom Gear Magazine. 
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: andyb on July 13, 2014, 12:22:20 PM
i have a clear phone i know nothing about   ive psted some pics

----------------

Edit: - link added

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12265.msg129516#msg129516
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Babybearjs on March 09, 2016, 07:57:24 PM
who has the clear 564/65? I remember seeing it on ebay..... who has it now??
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: JimHyak on March 10, 2016, 12:15:00 PM
This one? It's a Kellogg DK564
Sold on Jan 20, 2015
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Babybearjs on March 10, 2016, 07:47:32 PM
too bad there aren't more of these.... beautiful.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on March 10, 2016, 08:27:36 PM
Quote from: Babybearjs on March 10, 2016, 07:47:32 PM
too bad there aren't more of these.... beautiful.
I hate to say it, but if there were, you wouldn't want one quite as much! ;)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: unbeldi on March 12, 2016, 09:06:12 AM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on March 10, 2016, 08:27:36 PM
Quote from: Babybearjs on March 10, 2016, 07:47:32 PM
too bad there aren't more of these.... beautiful.
I hate to say it, but if there were, you wouldn't want one quite as much! ;)

Very true.

In fact, I think, if clear telephone housings had been a standard catalog item and were plentiful, they'd probably be the least desirable, and take the place of light beige.  I find nothing particularly attractive about them, rather the opposite, the plastics are invariably discolored into brown-yellow, except for Arwin's recent nice find.  Rarity alone is not a good enough reason for me to fight over one with money. There are many other rare things in life and nature that are prettier.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: markosjal on December 22, 2016, 12:34:50 AM
I think i am getting a phone woody
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: NikeTelephone on October 02, 2017, 01:50:46 AM
My First Ever Clear!! :)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Pourme on October 02, 2017, 07:27:50 AM
Congrats!...EBAY find?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on October 02, 2017, 06:49:39 PM
Quote from: NikeTelephone on October 02, 2017, 01:50:46 AM
My First Ever Clear!! :)
That is a "branded"  Northern Telecom 2500 ( I think E). I was told they made a large run of the 2500 ( E?) sets and the final run was the smoky tint clear sets. The smoke tint run was  for the employees that were making them.  I think Northern did the same on some of the other sets. In my opinion,They are harder to find the a WE 2500 in clear .
Good find,
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: NikeTelephone on October 02, 2017, 07:40:48 PM
     Heres the Base of the 2500 Smoked... and You are correct, it was for the employees, It was an Ebay purchase, originally for the Displayphone you see in the pics,i emailed to see if it worked, and the seller and I got chatty, I ended up with all 4 items, he was selling them for a friend, whos father was an Executive at Northern in Toronto Ontario years ago and they had been sitting in the basement for years!
:)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 04, 2018, 11:02:00 AM
Here is some auction photos of my clear ATT International touchmatic. It has a volume control handset. There is a slight beige swirl from a few pellets of  beige getting into the mix. The swirl is shown in the last photo.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 04, 2018, 11:22:16 AM
Here is some clear buttsets.
I own the three shown together.
The 1970's style is an AE. The other is a harriss TS-21 and what appears to be a professional model of a buttset
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The photo of a single set is a WE buttset. It is not mine.

The Clear ATT modern buttset  and the clear ATT 1970's butt set are not mine either


Jim S.

was having trouble with the photos. There are 2 each of the 1970's WE and of the modern ATT
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 04, 2018, 11:28:09 AM
Here is the 1970's ATT buttset. It is not mine.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on June 04, 2018, 03:46:45 PM
Jim S. & all;

Just got a call from a man that says he has an NOS-in-the-original-WE-box CLEAR 500 that he wants to sell!  And it's an early version!! I cannot wait to see pics of it!

I will post as soon as I find out more.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on June 04, 2018, 04:23:00 PM
WOW! Keep us posted!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 05, 2018, 03:06:35 PM
Quote from: kleenax on June 04, 2018, 03:46:45 PM
Jim S. & all;

Just got a call from a man that says he has an NOS-in-the-original-WE-box CLEAR 500 that he wants to sell!  And it's an early version!! I cannot wait to see pics of it!

I will post as soon as I find out more.
The early version is soft plastic with a light gray handset cord. Good luck,
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 05, 2018, 03:09:05 PM
Here is a WE G6 (volume control) handset. I have had it for years.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on June 05, 2018, 03:47:39 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 05, 2018, 03:09:05 PM
Here is a WE G6 (volume control) handset. I have had it for years.
Jim S.
You will have to remind me to make you a set of clear (matching/yellowed) handset caps for that sir........
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 05, 2018, 04:06:24 PM
Quote from: kleenax on June 05, 2018, 03:47:39 PM
You will have to remind me to make you a set of clear (matching/yellowed) handset caps for that sir........
That would look good.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on June 05, 2018, 09:18:02 PM
My Clear Northern Telecom Solo.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 05, 2018, 09:20:16 PM
The NT Solo is a cool phone to have.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 06, 2018, 07:34:19 PM
Duffy got a 1958 clear 500.  This is the from   "earliest" transparent 500 set production run. I think the next run of transparent 500's was around 1970. It is the "proper" clear 500 if you are trying to complete a collection of early "soft"  (tenite) 500 sets. A very nice find.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20615.msg210838#msg210838

I think he is becoming a clear collector. I will let him post the photos.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on June 06, 2018, 08:49:33 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 06, 2018, 07:34:19 PM
I think he is becoming a clear collector. I will let him post the photos.

Jim the title says "Clear Telephones" and I thought you wanted posts on clear phones.
But let me make this "clear" I will never catch up to your count!

I do have one more to show you. It is so clear, I had to cover it with a towel so you would know exactly where it is sitting.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 06, 2018, 11:55:38 PM
Delft?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on June 12, 2018, 10:29:53 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 06, 2018, 07:34:19 PM
I think he is becoming a clear collector. I will let him post the photos.

Sorry Jim, But you did say I could post the photos. LOL

I picked up this 1982 Northern Telecom 2500 clear e-phone.


Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 12, 2018, 10:42:13 PM
I was told these smoke tint e-sets were run after a very large order of e-phones. After the run   they  did the smoke tint run and gave one to each of the line workers.

That was the story I was told when I bought mine long ago.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on June 13, 2018, 04:43:23 AM
Quote from: Duffy on June 06, 2018, 08:49:33 PM
...I do have one more to show you. It is so clear, I had to cover it with a towel so you would know exactly where it is sitting.
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 30, 2018, 02:26:40 PM
Here is some photos of clear AE80's.

The one with a shiny dial and caps is mine. 2nd photo. This phone was made with "sample" plastic.

The one with clear caps and a black dial belonged to Doug Rose . 3rd photo It has been sold.
More photos on this thread:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20722.0;topicseen
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on June 30, 2018, 07:14:42 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 30, 2018, 02:26:40 PM
Here is some photos of clear AE80's.

The one with a shiny dial and caps is mine. 2nd photo. This phone was made with "sample" plastic.

The one with clear caps and a black dial belongs to Doug Rose . 3rd photo
It is for sale.

Jim S.

Here are 3 pics of another Clear AE80:

(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=189141;image)

(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=189143;image)

(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=189145;image)

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 30, 2018, 07:42:45 PM
Here is Ray K.'s  photo of a clear AE 80 plus another photo.
The top 2 are Ray K.'s photos of a missed phone.
The bottom photo is another  AE80
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: oldguy on June 30, 2018, 09:17:15 PM
This is clearly the correct place to post these photos😀😀 I hope this line wasn't previously used in this thread.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on June 30, 2018, 09:36:29 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 30, 2018, 07:42:45 PM
Here is Ray K.'s Phone plus another photo.
The top 2 are RAy K.
The bottom photo is another  AE80
Not mine actually. Someone kind of "went around me" and bribed the estate sale where it was at, and ended up with it instead of me.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 30, 2018, 09:39:30 PM
Quote from: kleenax on June 30, 2018, 09:36:29 PM
Not mine actually. Someone kind of "went around me" and bribed the estate sale where it was at, and ended up with it instead of me.
tweaked the description. And the first post as well.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on June 13, 2019, 04:39:21 PM
Three Clear projects that I displayed (and sold) at the Lancaster Show.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Key2871 on June 13, 2019, 04:48:45 PM
Ray does it again... Very cool.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 13, 2019, 05:36:18 PM
Those look pretty cool. I may be in the market for a clear E handset.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on June 13, 2019, 05:39:04 PM
Very nice Ray, they look awesome.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on June 13, 2019, 05:51:27 PM
Very Nice!
Do you mark your creations in any way to indicate they are not original telco products?
Years down the road when we are all dust people may get confused! Or some greedy, nefarious person today may try to pass one off as Genuine Bell System equipment.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on June 13, 2019, 05:56:51 PM
Any photos of your table at the show? It would be nice to see the full display.
:)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on June 17, 2019, 09:56:41 PM
Quote from: FABphones on June 13, 2019, 05:56:51 PM
Any photos of your table at the show? It would be nice to see the full display.
:)

I didn't get photos; sorry, and I didn't see my table in any of the published photos of the show that were on the TCI list either :-(
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: guitar1580 on December 21, 2019, 02:32:58 AM
Here are my clear phones that I recently picked up.  A Lennox Sound Trimline style that was new in the package, and a Cortelco 2500 that is like new.

JT


Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: tubaman on December 21, 2019, 06:19:09 AM
That 2500 is a beauty. I'm going to have to look for one now!  ;D
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 21, 2019, 10:46:08 AM
Quote from: tubaman on December 21, 2019, 06:19:09 AM
That 2500 is a beauty. I'm going to have to look for one now!  ;D

The full clear Cortelco's  come up on eBay often enough that you should be able to find a nice one for under $50.00 if you keep an eye out.
Cortelco also had a novelty clear 2500 with colored caps and painted bells.
Goldstar also made a full clear 2500 and a similar novelty clear.
Some/all? of the full clear Goldstar came out in 1984 and were  given as customer thank-you by a wire and cable  company.

Goldstar plastics are marked
Cortelco plastics have an internal mold number in the housing "663481" above the dial. The number appears to be consistent.

These 2  brands seem to have the clearest plastics. There were other clear 2500 plastics made, they weren't as clear.
The WE plastics will yellow, I have seen 1 ITT branded 2500, it is yellowed.
NT made a Smoke tint 2500 set. Duffy has 1 posted in this thread.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: guitar1580 on December 22, 2019, 12:42:45 AM
I'd like to end up with a clear W/E 500 someday, but the ones I've seen to this point have been out of my price range.

JT
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 28, 2020, 12:59:43 PM
Received this AEL Microtel (AE80) clear with opaque swirl body today. I have a regular AE80 rotary coming for a donor phone.
I will use a clear AE handset on it that Ray Kotke gave to me when I visited him last August.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 29, 2020, 05:54:32 PM
Great Find.
That is a really  cool housing. It is branded  which I always feel is a bonus on a clear or swirl set.  IMHO  An obscure branding is always funner/cooler  than a common one .

You should list it in the FOTM contest.


In the January 1943 Bell Laboratories Record page 120, there is a photo of a clear and white swirl 302 housing.
This housing was created to study flow patterns of the plastic.

I was able to take a photo of the the photo and caption. I need to download it at work and send it to myself before I can post it here.
The photo looks more like a black and white swirl than clear and white swirl to me.

Jim

(side note) long ago I heard of an old rose/White swirl 302 that was in a collection on the east coast.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on January 29, 2020, 06:37:32 PM
From the looks of that AE 80 housing it appears it was made to show the flow of the plastic in the mold also. The "swirl" defines the flow lines pretty well. Very Cool set!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 29, 2020, 06:40:02 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on January 29, 2020, 05:54:32 PM
That is a really  cool housing. It is branded  which I always feel is a bonus on a clear or swirl set.  IMHO  An obscure branding is always funner/cooler  than a common one .

In the January 1943 Bell Laboratories Record page 120, there is a photo of a clear and white swirl 302 housing.
This housing was created to study flow patterns of the plastic.

I was able to take a photo of the the photo and caption. I need to download it at work and send it to myself before I can post it here.
The photo looks more like a black and white swirl than clear and white swirl to me.

Jim

(side note) long ago I heard of an old rose/White swirl 302 that was in a collection on the east coast.

Terry Biddlecombe  passed on this information to me about this body.  AEL Automatic Electric Ltd. reorganization in the 80's moved AE Canada under BCTel, GTEs largest single operating company. They rebranded AE as AEL Microtel. Soon after there was a challenge by someone to the AEL part of the name so they simply dropped that and continued with just Microtel. But, there are large numbers of phones out there branded AEL Microtel!

That would be interesting to see that article on the clear / white swirl 302 housing and see a picture of that rose/White swirl 302 phone.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 30, 2020, 01:45:48 PM
My donor phone came in for the opaque AE80. I swapped out what needed to be. It's now displayed with my other clears.
>edit to add photo link from this thread of  earlier clear AE80's <
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1928.msg211984#msg211984
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Doug Rose on January 30, 2020, 02:05:46 PM
Doug...that came out fantastic!  Really nice job...other Doug
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 30, 2020, 05:34:27 PM
That really did come out nice. A really interesting look.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a photo of the clear/white 302 housing photo and caption.
There isn't an article regarding this housing, only the caption.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was told about the old rose/white swirl 302 over 25 years ago. I never saw the phone or even a photo.

JIm
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 30, 2020, 06:17:29 PM
Thanks Jim

I modified your picture to make it easier to read.
After reading it. I believe that this is why this AE80 body was made. Possibly making it an engineering sample.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 30, 2020, 07:02:51 PM
Quote from: Duffy on January 30, 2020, 06:17:29 PM
Thanks Jim

I modified your picture to make it easier to read.
After reading it. I believe that this is why this AE80 body was made. Possibly making it an engineering sample.


Thanks for dealing with the photo. I think your set is called an AE80E. This is the later set.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree that a flow test seems to be a reasonable answer to why this got made. Someone liked it enough to keep it from the landfill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting side note: Most of my clear AE telephones  are beige cores.

Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: paul-f on January 30, 2020, 10:36:24 PM
Here's a better version of the image from Bell Labs Record ...
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on January 31, 2020, 06:47:15 AM
The description calls it a "subset". It is clearly a 302 body. Is the desription wrong or is it the wrong picture?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 31, 2020, 07:29:06 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on January 31, 2020, 06:47:15 AM
The description calls it a "subset". It is clearly a 302 body. Is the desription wrong or is it the wrong picture?

Harry the description is correct, they called the body a "subset housing"
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on January 31, 2020, 07:40:44 AM
AAHH - that is nomenclature I was not aware of. I thought it was called a telephone. Thanks for clearing that up! What did they call a subset back then?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 31, 2020, 07:53:30 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on January 31, 2020, 07:40:44 AM
AAHH - that is nomenclature I was not aware of. I thought it was called a telephone. Thanks for clearing that up! What did they call a subset back then?

A subset was called a subset that used a housing called a subset housing to cover it. LOL   :)
Calling it a telephone, that would be another story.....
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on January 31, 2020, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: Duffy on January 30, 2020, 06:17:29 PM
Thanks Jim

I modified your picture to make it easier to read.
After reading it. I believe that this is why this AE80 body was made. Possibly making it an engineering sample.
Quote from: paul-f on January 30, 2020, 10:36:24 PM
Here's a better version of the image from Bell Labs Record ...
This is what happens when you take it to the extreme! Only did this once.
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=216028;image
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=216026;image
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=216029;image
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 31, 2020, 07:39:16 PM
Quote from: kleenax on January 31, 2020, 07:32:49 PM
This is what happens when you take it to the extreme! Only did this once.

Wow Ray, that is one awesome piece!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on January 31, 2020, 07:52:09 PM
Quote from: Duffy on January 31, 2020, 07:39:16 PM
Wow Ray, that is one awesome piece!
Thanks Doug;
Here's another that was done with a TEENY bit of black pigment in snow-white resin. You guys have never seen these examples because they were "one-offs", and weren't around long.
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=216035;image
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=216033;image
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=216031;image
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 31, 2020, 07:57:35 PM
Quote from: kleenax on January 31, 2020, 07:52:09 PM
Thanks Doug;
Here's another that was done with a TEENY bit of black pigment in snow-white resin. You guys have never seen these examples because they were "one-offs", and weren't around long.

Very beautiful looks like it is made of marble!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on March 01, 2020, 06:42:27 PM
 Transparent Siemens Fg tist 282 aka W55 aka V62
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=23259.msg235954#msg235954

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on March 01, 2020, 07:53:11 PM
Another UK clear on eBay.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rare-Vintage-Clear-Transparent-Telephone-8746-G-D-F-M-85-2/193248867766? (https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rare-Vintage-Clear-Transparent-Telephone-8746-G-D-F-M-85-2/193248867766?)
( dead link 06-22-21 )

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on March 01, 2020, 10:22:07 PM
Quote from: Duffy on March 01, 2020, 07:53:11 PM


https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rare-Vintage-Clear-Transparent-Telephone-8746-G-D-F-M-85-2/193248867766? (https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rare-Vintage-Clear-Transparent-Telephone-8746-G-D-F-M-85-2/193248867766?)


Quote from text
original vintage transparent telephone as pictured. I believe that these have since been remade, but this is an original phone from 1985.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These have been remade using original molds With clear plastic. I the guts of these are original guts.
This particular phone may have the repro-plastics. I think the original plastics were clearer but I am not sure.
>Edit to add<
The remade sets have a newer transmitter than the originals. I think 1 of the transmitters are gray and the other one red. I don't recall which is the newer type.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on March 02, 2020, 03:27:26 AM
These come up for sale regularly in the UK. £175 is expensive. Prices in the region of £75 (or less) are more usual.


Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: tubaman on March 02, 2020, 03:39:20 AM
Quote from: FABphones on March 02, 2020, 03:27:26 AM
These come up for sale regularly. £175 is expensive. Prices in the region of £75 (or less) are more usual.

I picked up one of these a couple of years ago for about £7. The chap selling had a 'best offer' option on it and I suspect had not set it up properly as I offered the opening price and got an immediate acceptance (either that or he had no idea what he was selling).
It's a nice thing, but as @FABphones said they are not very rare as they were remade in reasonable numbers.
:)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on April 12, 2020, 12:40:15 PM
Here is a book view of the 1939 Bell System world's fair exhibit. I searched for "voice mirror" exhibit.
The Voice Mirror exhibit was where the clear 302's were used. There are quite a few photos of the clear sets and clear mother-in-law receivers.
Jim

Use the bottom arrows to flip thru the book.

Tiny Url
https://tinyurl.com/vrnr8rf

https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5e66b3e8-b049-d471-e040-e00a180654d7/book?parent=5da0bb70-c533-012f-830f-58d385a7bc34#page/1/mode/2up
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on April 12, 2020, 01:15:59 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on April 12, 2020, 12:40:15 PM
Here is a book view of the 1939 Bell System world's fair exhibit. I searched for "voice mirror" exhibit.
The Voice Mirror exhibit was where the clear 302's were used. There are quite a few photos of the clear sets and clear mother-in-law receivers.
Jim

Use the bottom arrows to flip thru the book.

Tiny Url
https://tinyurl.com/vrnr8rf

https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5e66b3e8-b049-d471-e040-e00a180654d7/book?parent=5da0bb70-c533-012f-830f-58d385a7bc34#page/1/mode/2up

Thanks Jim for this post.  Awesome pictures.

I posted a few of the clear 302's.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on April 12, 2020, 01:25:39 PM
Thanks Duffy,
Photo 4 (clear 302) has the clear mother-in-law receiver in the foreground.

The voice mirror display was designed to playback your voice . Pretty much like hearing yourself on tape for the first time.
Cool stuff,
Jim
Note to others, Duffy only posted some of the photos.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on May 30, 2020, 10:52:35 PM
Clear NOS Trimline base only on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WESTERN-ELECTRIC-BELL-SYSTEM-TRIMLINE-CLEAR-TELEPHONE-BASE-ONLY-new-old-stock/114241530605 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/WESTERN-ELECTRIC-BELL-SYSTEM-TRIMLINE-CLEAR-TELEPHONE-BASE-ONLY-new-old-stock/114241530605)
( dead link 02-16-21 )


Description:

This listing is for a NICE LOOKING NEW OLD STOCK WESTERN ELECTRIC CLEAR WALL MOUNT TELEPHONE, BASE ONLY. I do notice that the hook switch sticks down and does not come up on its own. As you can see in the pictures the number on the box matches the one on the phone. Thanks for looking and I hope bidding.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 05, 2020, 06:50:14 PM
Sold for $210.09.
It went cheap, all things considered.

Currently I don't have a phone cash stash, or I would of sniped higher than the winning bid.
I guess I should build up the phone cash stash again. If only there was a market for old  telephones.......

Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on June 05, 2020, 09:19:34 PM
That might be cheap, but when you bid from Canada it gets real expensive real quick. Exchange on the dollar, Taxes and duty and the eBay Global shipping!  >:(


Quote from: Jim Stettler on June 05, 2020, 06:50:14 PM
Sold for $210.09.
It went cheap, all things considered.

Currently I don't have a phone cash stash, or I would of sniped higher than the winning bid.
I guess I should build up the phone cash stash again. If only there was a market for old  telephones.......

Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 05, 2020, 09:42:25 PM
Shipping to me was less than $11.00.
I am pretty sure I have a spare F number handset that could of sat on it,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on September 20, 2020, 01:44:50 PM
Seen this on Facebook.

German W48 Clear
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 20, 2020, 02:01:24 PM
Quote from: Duffy on September 20, 2020, 01:44:50 PM
Seen this on Facebook.

German W48 Clear
You should get it. I already have one .
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: countryman on September 20, 2020, 02:44:33 PM
Is there anything known who made them, and how they came across the pond?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on September 20, 2020, 02:50:15 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on September 20, 2020, 02:01:24 PM
You should get it. I already have one .
Jim


It wasn't for sale.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: MMikeJBenN27 on September 20, 2020, 03:45:02 PM
Wow!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 20, 2020, 04:13:41 PM
My w48
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on September 20, 2020, 06:18:27 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on September 20, 2020, 04:13:41 PM
My w48

Very nice!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on September 21, 2020, 08:10:04 AM
Jim

These two pictures were sent to me with the possibility of buying these phones
The rotary looks to be an AE, but I'm not sure about the touch tone.
Is it a Western or ITT, I don't think it's a Northern. All thou these phones are in Canada.

I'm going to ask for more pictures and information on them.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: rdelius on September 21, 2020, 11:36:41 AM
The first set is a AE type 80. It has a older chassis. I think the 2nd set might be part  WE but the face plate and possibly the touch pad might be replaced
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on September 21, 2020, 12:09:56 PM
Agreed. More pictures would be helpful in making a definite ID.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 21, 2020, 06:03:59 PM
Quote from: Duffy on September 21, 2020, 08:10:04 AM
Jim

Is it a Western or ITT, I don't think it's a Northern. All thou these phones are in Canada.
Quote from: Duffy on September 21, 2020, 08:10:04 AM
Jim


The rotary looks to be an AE, but I'm not sure about the touch tone.
Is it a Western or ITT, I don't think it's a Northern. All thou these phones are in Canada.

What do you think?


What do you think?
the first appears to be an ae80. It looks like the handset is a different age or different plastic or both. My guess is that it is a different plastic.
Possibly sample plastic on the handset and/or housing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ae did make some water-white clear sets on purpose, however most sets seem to be yellowed or brownish tint. the yellowed and brown tint I think were sample plastics.
the water-white is on an ae 70's style buttset. this set was made at the request of an employee that did school talks, his buttset was popular so he requested a clear one to take to the schools for the the talks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My guess on the 2500 is most likely we.
the only clear nt 2500's I have seen are the smoke tint like the one you own.
I have only seen 1 itt marked itt . it is yellowed.

all the others are itt/cortelco and are non-yellowed clear, they came in full clear or novelty clear with painted parts.
the itt/cortelco's have a number molded inside the housing. (above the touchpad)
it is a 5-6 digit number, whenever I have compared numbers on the itt/cortelco sets, the number has been the same. I don't have one out to check the number.

I think my itt branded set was made with sample plastic, I don't think it has the molded number. If this set is branded itt, buy it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the 2500 set is hardwired, which is harder to find. Most of the clear we 2500 sets were used in displays at phone center stores. Many of the hardwire housings got notched (and cracked) at the phone stores. these are probably 1972 or 1975
these ended up in the hands of phone center employees after the break-up.(along with clear trimlines and princess phones)most of the phone center trimlines are sq. button.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most  of the we hardwire 2500 sets have a clear ribbed faceplate,

You can take a back-painted ribbed face plate and strip the paint off ( I did it  with brake fluid and a small parts brush). I used a glass pie tin and very little brake fluid, checking it constantly and removing paint as soon as it was loose.

Good luck , I hope you get them.
Jim

btw, I have heard there were unmarked clear housing for 500 and 2500 sets. I don't know if these yellowed or stayed clear

Years ago there was an ebay seller that had a bunch of clear we 2500 housings that they made into phones, however the housings were mod
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on September 21, 2020, 06:59:33 PM
The handset colour being different than that of the body did concern me. But when I looked at the picture of my clear one off the red clear AE 80 it's not yellowed. I think that the handsets are made with a different plastic.

I also attached a picture of the AE clear handset and Ray Kotke's.
Ray's is the bottom one.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 21, 2020, 07:43:15 PM
Quote from: Duffy on September 21, 2020, 06:59:33 PM
The handset colour being different than that of the body did concern me.
It never bothers me . Just another challenge to find a matching parts for both pieces.
mis-matched means that it was assembled by someone other than factory (in my mind). It makes me lean towards sample plastic being used.

the 2500 set may have different date stamps between the housing and handset. that is not very unusual if the phones are made from pieces/parts.
Get them if you can, I am interested in them if you aren't, we can figure out a win-win  trade.
Jim

Mis-match parts are common on back-door swirl sets as well.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on September 22, 2020, 05:25:59 AM
There's a couple other issues, but not deal breakers. The AE looks to have a crack on the lower front left of the body.
The Touch Tone has a loose screw. Either it's stripped or just loose.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on September 23, 2020, 09:01:26 AM
I spoke to the owner yesterday and he is going to take pictures from all angles of both phones. He also said he had another clear that he would sent pictures of as well.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 24, 2020, 06:17:34 PM
Quote from: Duffy on September 22, 2020, 05:25:59 AM
There's a couple other issues, but not deal breakers. The AE looks to have a crack on the lower front left of the body.
The Touch Tone has a loose screw. Either it's stripped or just loose.
I saw the crack and the screw.
the crack is probably internal, Clear shows abuse much easier than color sets.
the screw looks like a replacement to me, the finish appears wrong, possibly the wrong size,  the original  base screws are hard to lose,
  I wonder if the phone was 'created' with clear plastics and a spare red phone, that was missing a base screw.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on October 02, 2020, 09:03:45 AM
Quote from: Duffy on September 21, 2020, 06:59:33 PM
The handset colour being different than that of the body did concern me. But when I looked at the picture of my clear one off the red clear AE 80 it's not yellowed. I think that the handsets are made with a different plastic.

I also attached a picture of the AE clear handset and Ray Kotke's.
Ray's is the bottom one.

Duffy and all;

JUST prior to leaving for Mexico in February, I finished the tooling to create the caps for the AE 80/90 handset (don't know the part # of that handset), but haven't even had the time to cast anything with them yet. Additionally, I can cast in any shade, so yes, I can duplicate that "aged/yellowed" look of the older plastics. As for that 2500-series example that you showed, it looks like it was cast quite some time ago, and has simply aged.

On another note, was there ever a CLEAR AE90 known?  I've never seen one.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on October 02, 2020, 10:42:05 AM
Quote from: kleenax on October 02, 2020, 09:03:45 AM
Duffy and all;

On another note, was there ever a CLEAR AE90 known?  I've never seen one.

I have never seen one either Ray. But trust me if I ever find one, I'll post it right here for all to see.  :)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on October 02, 2020, 05:40:39 PM
Quote from: kleenax on October 02, 2020, 09:03:45 AM
Duffy and all;

On another note, was there ever a CLEAR AE90 known?  I've never seen one.
I always assume they made  at least 1 example every phone in clear. there are a lot of clear ae80's and 80e, so I think they probably made a 90 in clear. Clear wall phones are a lot harder to find than clear desk phones.

I have never seen or heard of a clear ae 90 (yet). they must be scarcer than the dark blue ae90's. I think there are 3 dark blue 90's  in collections.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on October 02, 2020, 06:40:09 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on October 02, 2020, 05:40:39 PM
I always assume they made  at least 1 example every phone in clear. there are a lot of clear ae80's and 80e, so I think they probably made a 90 in clear. Clear wall phones are a lot harder to find than clear desk phones.

I have never seen or heard of a clear ae 90 (yet). they must be scarcer than the dark blue ae90's. I think there are 3 dark blue 90's  in collections.
Jim

Gene Doom and I found a Dark Blue AE90 In-the-box at Paul Vaverchak's one day about 20 years ago. Paul said it was "really rare" so he charged Gene $50 for it! ;-)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on October 02, 2020, 07:00:04 PM
Quote from: kleenax on October 02, 2020, 06:40:09 PM
Gene Doom and I found a Dark Blue AE90 In-the-box at Paul Vaverchak's one day about 20 years ago. Paul said it was "really rare" so he charged Gene $50 for it! ;-)

wow,
a new in box, dark blue ae 90 would probably bring 2-3K on a good eBay auction these days
a  faded restorable set would bring over 1K as a guess.
Just  guesses,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on October 02, 2020, 07:18:47 PM
Quote from: kleenax on October 02, 2020, 06:40:09 PM
Gene Doom and I found a Dark Blue AE90 In-the-box at Paul Vaverchak's one day about 20 years ago. Paul said it was "really rare" so he charged Gene $50 for it! ;-)

Inquiring minds want to know, where is it now?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: rdelius on October 02, 2020, 08:44:03 PM
Saw a dark blue  type 90 set in Charlotte NC at a telephone refurbisher. Phoneco bought the inventory.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on October 03, 2020, 04:18:09 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on October 02, 2020, 07:18:47 PM
Inquiring minds want to know, where is it now?

Sold at a phone show for $300 dollars in 2009.
Maybe a member here owns it as per this thread:

Reply #13:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?&topic=22038

Photo link, page 2.
https://www.telephonecollectors.org/pictures/?op=list&folder=22&sort=date&start=851
(If breaking a rule by posting the screenshot of the phone, below, would a mod please remove).
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on October 14, 2020, 07:25:00 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on September 24, 2020, 06:17:34 PM
I saw the crack and the screw.
the crack is probably internal, Clear shows abuse much easier than color sets.
the screw looks like a replacement to me, the finish appears wrong, possibly the wrong size,  the original  base screws are hard to lose,
  I wonder if the phone was 'created' with clear plastics and a spare red phone, that was missing a base screw.

The fellow finally sent the extra pictures of the 2500 and the AE 80. I'll post the 2500 first than the AE 80.

The 2500 is a 1980 ITT

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on October 14, 2020, 07:33:48 PM
This AE 80 was used as a store display. There is a hole though the body into the bottom of the handset that was used for fastening the handset so it couldn't be removed.

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on October 14, 2020, 09:01:33 PM
Quote from: FABphones on October 03, 2020, 04:18:09 AM
Sold at a phone show for $300 dollars in 2009.
Maybe a member here owns it as per this thread:

Reply #13:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?&topic=22038

Photo link, page 2.
https://www.telephonecollectors.org/pictures/?op=list&folder=22&sort=date&start=851
(If breaking a rule by posting the screenshot of the phone, below, would a mod please remove).

This was the phone that Gene Doom sold at Lancaster(?) in 2009.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 14, 2020, 11:23:46 AM
wurzel1765's Clear ATM

topic: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=24531.msg243432
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 14, 2020, 11:27:12 AM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on November 14, 2020, 11:23:46 AM
wurzel1765's Clear ATM

topic: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=24531.msg243432

That one would be a nice one to have!
Who made the ATM phones?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on November 14, 2020, 12:44:38 PM
Quote from: Duffy on November 14, 2020, 11:27:12 AM
Who made the ATM phones?

Automatic Telephone Manufacturing Company

Automatic Telephone & Electric

(England)

https://www.britishtelephones.com/histatm.htm

https://www.britishtelephones.com/atm/l11566.htm
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Gary Z on November 15, 2020, 01:09:11 PM
I will throw my clear ones into the pile. On the left is a WE 500DM that I just found this week that was listed for the large sum of $25.00. On the right is a Stromberg- Carlson 500D from the son of a retired Stromberg employee that was his desk phone when he worked there.

Gary Z
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 15, 2020, 02:14:46 PM
Quote from: Roody on November 15, 2020, 01:09:11 PM
I will throw my clear ones into the pile. On the left is a WE 500DM that I just found this week that was listed for the large sum of $25.00. On the right is a Stromberg- Carlson 500D from the son of a retired Stromberg employee that was his desk phone when he worked there.

Gary Z

Very nice pair of clears! Good score on the WE 500DM.

I just made room in my display case for a couple more clears I have coming my way. I had to take out the coloured 302's to make room for them. I moved the 302's to another display case.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Gary Z on November 15, 2020, 02:23:22 PM
Making room for a couple of more? Can't wait to see them!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 15, 2020, 02:45:06 PM
Quote from: Roody on November 15, 2020, 02:23:22 PM
Making room for a couple of more? Can't wait to see them!

Scroll back to reply 111.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 24, 2020, 11:24:31 AM
Quote from: Roody on November 15, 2020, 01:09:11 PM
I will throw my clear ones into the pile. On the left is a WE 500DM that I just found this week that was listed for the large sum of $25.00. On the right is a Stromberg- Carlson 500D from the son of a retired Stromberg employee that was his desk phone when he worked there.

Gary Z

Put the $25.00 clear in the find of the month.
JMO,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 24, 2020, 11:29:33 AM
Quote from: Roody on November 15, 2020, 01:09:11 PM
I will throw my clear ones into the pile. On the left is a WE 500DM that I just found this week that was listed for the large sum of $25.00. On the right is a Stromberg- Carlson 500D from the son of a retired Stromberg employee that was his desk phone when he worked there.

Gary Z

Does the clear SC have a clear network?  One of my clear SC 500 sets (9-71) has a clear network, it is the only one I have seen.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Gary Z on November 24, 2020, 12:00:14 PM
Yes, the network is clear.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Doug Rose on November 24, 2020, 12:03:43 PM
Quote from: Roody on November 24, 2020, 12:00:14 PM
Yes, the network is clear.
very cool!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 24, 2020, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: Roody on November 24, 2020, 12:00:14 PM
Yes, the network is clear.

I want one! :)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 25, 2020, 09:28:22 AM
My ITT 2500 and AE80 clears have finally arrived! Now the work begins. Take them apart and give them a good cleaning.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Doug Rose on November 25, 2020, 10:58:46 AM
real nice Doug
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 25, 2020, 08:58:36 PM
Quote from: Duffy on November 25, 2020, 09:28:22 AM
My ITT 2500 and AE80 clears have finally arrived! Now the work begins. Take them apart and give them a good cleaning.
Those are pretty cool sets.

I have some questions about the ITT.
That is a Canadian ITT. I have only seen the US versions.

Is the housing marked or blank? All (but 1) the US clears ITT 2500 sets are branded.

Is there a number molded inside by the cradle?
I can't see a number. All the clear US ITT sets I have seen have a number molded inside. It is probably the same number  molded on all the US housing, no matter the color. I don't recall if the branded clear has the number.

Does the handset plastic match the housing plastic or is it different?
The plastics look like they are different to me. If they are different then they may be created with sample plastic. Or the handset was replaced later.


You are really getting a very nice collection of clear sets.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 25, 2020, 09:39:39 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on November 25, 2020, 08:58:36 PM
Those are pretty cool sets.

I have some questions about the ITT.
That is a Canadian ITT. I have only seen the US versions.
Yes, the frame is Canadian, So I'm assuming the body is also.

Is the housing marked or blank? All (but 1) the US clears ITT 2500 sets are branded.
Marked with ITT. Handset is marked as well.

Is there a number molded inside by the cradle?
Yes

I can't see a number. All the clear US ITT sets I have seen have a number molded inside. It is probably the same number  molded on all the US housing, no matter the color. I don't recall if the branded clear has the number.

Does the handset plastic match the housing plastic or is it different?
The plastics look like they are different to me. If they are different then they may be created with sample plastic. Or the handset was replaced later.
Yes they match. The plastics are the soft plastic and smell like it too. The body, handset and caps are all soft plastic.


You are really getting a very nice collection of clear sets.
Jim

Thanks Jim

I left the last picture in high rez so you can blow it up and see the details.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 25, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
Wow,
That is  a really cool set .The hi rez is the  way to go.

You should enter one of them in the find of the month.
In my opinion the ITT is scarcer, but many people think the AE80 has a cooler look.
Your phones ,your call.
Great finds,

Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on November 26, 2020, 04:00:44 AM
Nice additions.

Quote from: Duffy on November 25, 2020, 09:39:39 PM
I left the last picture in high rez...

Thanks for that. Excluding endcaps, is the ITT handset molded in two pieces (left/right)? Is the AE handset molded in two or more parts (could you add a hi-res photo of each side of that one as well please). Am intrigued as to how these were made. Clever.

:)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 26, 2020, 07:29:37 AM
Quote from: FABphones on November 26, 2020, 04:00:44 AM

(could you add a hi-res photo of each side of that one as well please).

:)

Let me see what I can do.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 26, 2020, 10:06:06 PM
Quote from: FABphones on November 26, 2020, 04:00:44 AM
Nice additions.

Thanks for that. Excluding endcaps, is the ITT handset molded in two pieces (left/right)? Is the AE handset molded in two or more parts (could you add a hi-res photo of each side of that one as well please). Am intrigued as to how these were made. Clever.

:)

Here you go CJ.

I compared the two clear AE handsets I have.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 26, 2020, 10:20:38 PM
Some comparison pictures of my 2 clear AE80's for Jim.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Doug Rose on November 27, 2020, 08:38:26 AM
Very nice Doug. I like how one has a plastic fingerwheel with a numbers only plate and the other has a metal fingerwheel with a  metropolitan plate. Sharp looking phones. The clear ones always stand out!......other Doug
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 27, 2020, 09:20:36 AM
Quote from: Doug Rose on November 27, 2020, 08:38:26 AM
Very nice Doug. I like how one has a plastic fingerwheel with a numbers only plate and the other has a metal fingerwheel with a  metropolitan plate. Sharp looking phones. The clear ones always stand out!......other Doug

The clear one with the metal finger wheel had a plastic one on it. I changed it, I didn't like the white.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 27, 2020, 11:05:29 AM
Quote from: Duffy on November 27, 2020, 09:20:36 AM
The clear one with the metal finger wheel had a plastic one on it. I changed it, I didn't like the white.
I think it looks a lot nicer with the black dial.

You can probably find a clear TT faceplate for the ITT set.
There are lots of smooth clear faceplates out there. Many  phone systems that use 2500 sets will have a paper underlay under a smooth faceplate.
There are some textured clear faceplates as well,  Usually they are on some of the generic clear housings. These are harder to find.
I have seen a couple different textures on them.
For a WE 2500 I stripped  a back-painted faceplate, I used brake fluid and a small parts brush.

Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 27, 2020, 11:46:40 AM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on November 27, 2020, 11:05:29 AM
I think it looks a lot nicer with the black dial.

You can probably find a clear TT faceplate for the ITT set.
There are lots of smooth clear faceplates out there. Many  phone systems that use 2500 sets will have a paper underlay under a smooth faceplate.
There are some textured clear faceplates as well,  Usually they are on some of the generic clear housings. These are harder to find.
I have seen a couple different textures on them.
For a WE 2500 I stripped  a back-painted faceplate, I used brake fluid and a small parts brush.

Jim

Jim

That is already in the works, I spoke to Matt at Oldphoneworks and he has a clear face plate and a gray handset cord set aside for the ITT.
I have to go there anyway because they have bought some of my extra coloured phones. I'll be going there next week.
I believe that the gray handsets cord on a clear phone lets the eyes focus on the phone. On the touch tone anyway.
Now on the clear rotary's the handset cord should match the dial plate.

CDN Doug


Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Key2871 on November 27, 2020, 02:16:31 PM
Clear plates are out there. I had a clear one with a differant color transparent, and went in search of a clear faceplate. After several months and by pure chance I found one on a brown 2500 in a yard sale the phone was priced at $5.00 so I bought it. Just for the clear faceplate.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: compubit on November 27, 2020, 03:07:01 PM
Clear faceplates should be easier to find, especially from a "business" 2500 phone used within either a Centrex or private system - hotels, too - where there are dialing codes that folks need to be aware of.

J
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 27, 2020, 05:42:58 PM
The clear T/T face plate I'm getting from Oldphoneworks is a generic one. Matt told me that they are just clear with no notch for the window.
It will do until I find the right one.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 28, 2020, 12:08:51 PM
Regarding the number molded in the ITT set:
The number I am referring to is a 6 digit and closer to the front .  The number  is 184399

I think it is a mold designation number vs a mold number.
ie: The number is designating  the model. The mold number is a control number for a specific mold within that designation.


I doubt if you phone has the mold designation  number that I am referring to.
I think it came about later after ITT became Cortelco.
A clear branded ITT housing is a tough find.

EXAMPLE: If yours has the mold # 184399 that means it is a 2500 type housing, The 2 is the number of the specific mold.
Just a working guess


I think the mold designation number on the clear sets is the same as a color set (# 184399). It is a model number for inventory control of the mold, Individual mold numbers get used to designate individual molds. This becomes a QC  control number for the mold itself.

This is all guesses,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 28, 2020, 01:42:51 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on November 28, 2020, 12:08:51 PM
Regarding the number molded in the ITT set:
The number I am referring to is a 6 digit and closer to the front .  The number  is 184399

I think it is a mold designation number vs a mold number.
ie: The number is designating  the model. The mold number is a control number for a specific mold within that designation.


I doubt if you phone has the mold designation  number that I am referring to.
I think it came about later after ITT became Cortelco.
A clear branded ITT housing is a tough find.

EXAMPLE: If yours has the mold # 184399 that means it is a 2500 type housing, The 2 is the number of the specific mold.
Just a working guess


I think the mold designation number on the clear sets is the same as a color set (# 184399). It is a model number for inventory control of the mold, Individual mold numbers get used to designate individual molds. This becomes a QC  control number for the mold itself.

This is all guesses,
Jim

Jim

It only markings on the body are as shown in the pictures. The number 2 and The logo ITT. On the handset there is a number 1 on the receiver end and a number 2 on the transmitter end then the logo ITT in the center.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 28, 2020, 09:00:34 PM
I think the number 184399 is only on the US ITT/CORTELCO unbranded  housings.

  Many of the full  clear unbranded ITT/CORTELCO sets were made in 12/89. This is the most common date for these production clears,
The sets has a sticker on the bottom.

The novelty model has colored caps and colored interior. I  have a 4/89.
Goldstar did the same making full clear and novelty clear 2500 sets. Theirs are branded.
Just some observations,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 28, 2020, 09:22:58 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on November 28, 2020, 09:00:34 PM
I think the number 184399 is only on the US ITT/CORTELCO unbranded  housings.

  Many of the full  clear unbranded ITT/CORTELCO sets were made in 12/89. This is the most common date for these production clears,
The sets has a sticker on the bottom.

The novelty model has colored caps and colored interior. I  have a 4/89.
Goldstar did the same making full clear and novelty clear 2500 sets. Theirs are branded.
Just some observations,
Jim

I believe this body is older than 1989, just because it's aged and yellowed soft plastic. It was likely made before Cortelco took ITT Canada over. The frame is dated 11-80, but is it the frame that belong to this body? I think someone put this phone together using another phone as a donor. That is just my opinion.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 28, 2020, 10:01:54 PM
Quote from: Duffy on November 28, 2020, 09:22:58 PM
I think someone put this phone together using another phone as a donor. That is just my opinion.
I think you are right.
Non-production clears sets can be pretty random
I will find my clear ITT and see what the mold marks are.

Are you going to put one of your new sets  in the November FOTM?
I nominated Roody's clear 500 set.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 29, 2020, 01:52:30 AM
here is a production novelty  clear  2500 with a  cortelco sticker
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Phone-Landline-Vintage-Years-80-Pop-Art-Fun-Plastic-Clear-Saltini-Style/402582465697
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 29, 2020, 04:53:24 AM
Another point about my clear 2500 is that it is a non-modular body. Any of the other clear 2500's I have seen were modular.

Here are a couple more clear 2500's from eBay.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/TRANSPARENT-TÉLÉPHONE/133589983622 (https://www.ebay.ca/itm/TRANSPARENT-TELEPHONE/133589983622)
( dead link 05-15-21 )

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-Clear-Western-Electric-2500-Telephone-works/114250031217 (https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-Clear-Western-Electric-2500-Telephone-works/114250031217)

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 30, 2020, 07:38:41 PM
Finally got the ITT and AE80 cleaned up and parts installed.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 30, 2020, 07:43:27 PM
They both look better than they did when you got them.
You done good.
JMO,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 30, 2020, 07:46:36 PM
I have to agree Jim, Thanks.
The count just keeps going up. LOL
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on November 30, 2020, 07:53:29 PM
Quote from: Duffy on November 30, 2020, 07:46:36 PM

The count just keeps going up. LOL
I have noticed that.
The hardest thing about collecting clear telephones is finding good examples at reasonable  prices.
You have done very well acquiring unusual examples clear phones., and you have been doing it pretty quick.
I am impressed,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on November 30, 2020, 08:10:25 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on November 30, 2020, 07:53:29 PM
I have noticed that.
The hardest thing about collecting clear telephones is finding good examples at reasonable  prices.
You have done very well acquiring unusual examples clear phones., and you have been doing it pretty quick.
I am impressed,
Jim

I have to say it's all about the education, reading and listening to what other collectors have to say.
Networking and always ask the question "Do you know anyone else with any telephones?"
Sometimes it's just luck. Being at the right place at the right time and know the limit of what to spend.
Last but not the least, I have a very understanding wife!  :)

CDN Doug
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on December 08, 2020, 05:14:59 PM
A lighted holiday clear, found on Facebook.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 09, 2020, 02:17:22 AM
I smiled, chuckled and felt happy.
Thank-you
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on December 13, 2020, 03:49:43 PM
I bought a White 1967 NE 1500 10 button for $30.00 earlier this month. It had been updated a few times over it life time with a Northern Telecom body and handset that were yellowing. It didn't have any matching dates, so I decided to do a body and handset swap. I picked up a clear body and handset off of Matt Jennings at Oldphoneworks. Another clear to add to the collection.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Gary Z on December 13, 2020, 05:54:47 PM
BIG improvement. Looks great!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Key2871 on December 13, 2020, 06:07:51 PM
Now all you need is a clear ten button face plate.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on December 13, 2020, 06:11:18 PM
Quote from: Key2871 on December 13, 2020, 06:07:51 PM
Now all you need is a clear ten button face plate.

That would be nice, if one exists.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Doug Rose on December 13, 2020, 06:13:49 PM
Ray?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 13, 2020, 07:23:27 PM
Quote from: Duffy on December 13, 2020, 06:11:18 PM
That would be nice, if one exists.
WE made some 10 button back painted faceplates. You could strip one of them.
I stripped a back painted 12 button  faceplate. I put  it face up  in a glass pie tin with  a little brake fluid,  and after the paint loosened I used  parts brushes. I was carful to use only a little brake fluid and I kept a close watch on while the paint loosened.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Key2871 on December 13, 2020, 08:29:52 PM
Yea I was thinking Ray would be the ideal candidate.
Some in ten and twelve button, for those who need them. Sorry Ray, but hey you do fantastic work.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Babybearjs on December 13, 2020, 10:47:53 PM
and I'm still waiting for that clear 564 to show up at a decent price... wonder if WE ever made a 2564 to go with it??
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 13, 2020, 11:34:10 PM
Quote from: Babybearjs on December 13, 2020, 10:47:53 PM
and I'm still waiting for that clear 564 to show up at a decent price... wonder if WE ever made a 2564 to go with it??
I have a clear Kellogg Key set. I have heard of clear WE keysets. I haven't seen any of them or photos,

I have always gone on the assumption that any telephone made had at least 1 example created in clear.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Babybearjs on December 14, 2020, 12:47:59 AM
Jim, do you have your clear 564 setup and working? I'd be doing that as a conversation piece.... those one of a kind phone always get people talking!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 14, 2020, 12:54:25 AM
The cord is cut, but that makes it easier to display.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Babybearjs on December 14, 2020, 02:03:36 AM
I'd be removing the cord, that way you can reinstall it later if you wanted to use it...
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on December 30, 2020, 10:20:06 AM
Found this on eBay.

Build your own clear telephone.

As listed:

Vintage Plastic Clear See Through Telephone Amerikit AK-750 Phone Kit NEON 80s. Condition is "New".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Plastic-Clear-See-Through-Telephone-Amerikit-AK-750-Phone-Kit-NEON-80s/224260597157
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Plastic-Clear-See-Through-Telephone-Amerikit-AK-750-Phone-Kit-NEON-80s/224260597157)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: countryman on December 30, 2020, 10:44:00 AM
Nice! It looks much like this Conair trimline style phone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzvjoX13N-w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzvjoX13N-w)
Back in the days, a great kit and a nice success when you got it assembled as an item for everyday use!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on January 01, 2021, 10:33:19 AM
Quote from: Key2871 on December 13, 2020, 08:29:52 PM
Yea I was thinking Ray would be the ideal candidate.
Some in ten and twelve button, for those who need them. Sorry Ray, but hey you do fantastic work.
Guess I am a little slow and just saw this. Truthfully, I have a couple original, back-painted 10-button faceplates that I got from Dave Willingham years ago to recreate, and have never gotten around to it; sorry!
Just like the AE#2, AE#4 w/dial, AE80 & 90; "haven't gotten to it yet" :-(
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 01, 2021, 09:45:49 PM
Quote from: Duffy on December 30, 2020, 10:20:06 AM
Found this on eBay.

Build your own clear telephone.

As listed:

Vintage Plastic Clear See Through Telephone Amerikit AK-750 Phone Kit NEON 80s. Condition is "New".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Plastic-Clear-See-Through-Telephone-Amerikit-AK-750-Phone-Kit-NEON-80s/224260597157
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Plastic-Clear-See-Through-Telephone-Amerikit-AK-750-Phone-Kit-NEON-80s/224260597157)

I have one of those . I have seen 5 or 6 of them for sale over the years. One was built , but still had the box.
I think I paid around $20.00.
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 22, 2021, 09:43:42 AM
This ad is for Jim.

1975 Bell System 2 page center magazine ad.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 22, 2021, 11:04:15 AM
Thanks Duffy



Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: markosjal on January 27, 2021, 03:29:35 PM
I bought a lot of phones from a guy , mostly WE and SC but this was in there too.

I do not have much love for this so if you want to buy or trade for other parts , make offer.

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 27, 2021, 06:16:48 PM
Quote from: markosjal on January 27, 2021, 03:29:35 PM
I bought a lot of phones from a guy , mostly WE and SC but this was in there too.

I do not have much love for this so if you want to buy or trade for other parts , make offer.


The colorful card (directory) on the base is typically missing on this style of clear phone when you find them used.
Just an observation,
Jim
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ..... on January 28, 2021, 09:23:19 PM
Another ad for Jim.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 29, 2021, 07:10:14 PM
Quote from: Duffy on January 28, 2021, 09:23:19 PM
Another ad for Jim.
That is the first time I have seen that ad.
Thanks duffy.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: markosjal on February 08, 2023, 01:59:20 PM
Original Poster Hank Duffy
from the facebook group:Rare Telephones Only

  ·
1974 field trial Northern Electric Clear Contempra
This Contempra does not have a regular network or a ringer attached to its base. The network and ringer were built into the handset. This idea was rejected and never went to market. The body mould dates are 4th quarter of 1973 and the components are 1st quarter of 1974.

I just thought it was too cool to not share!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on February 08, 2023, 02:09:27 PM
WOW ;D Very cool! That is a great find, I wonder how many are out there?
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: markosjal on February 08, 2023, 11:43:40 PM
Here is one I recently acquired

This image is as I acquired it. No clean up
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=334184;image)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on February 09, 2023, 03:35:01 AM
Here is mine.
Clear Stromberg Carlson 1191.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on February 09, 2023, 07:49:03 AM
IIRC one of our members years ago got a clear Contempra from someone who worked there. I do not think it was a field trial though.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: TelePlay on February 09, 2023, 08:01:42 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on February 09, 2023, 07:49:03 AMIIRC one of our members years ago got a clear Contempra from someone who worked there.

This one?

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=14989.0

Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: HarrySmith on February 09, 2023, 09:11:21 AM
No, that was not it. I took a quick look but could not find the one I was thinking of. It was an ex employee that it came from and even had a letter from him to authenticate it.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: allnumbedup on April 21, 2023, 12:23:53 PM
This is the third clear 2500 I have come across. I am sharing a picture of this one because I think the foil label backs up the idea stated earlier in this thread that these newer ITT/Cortelco phones were used as commemorative gifts/ presentation pieces. (I plan to clean it up without ruining the label.)
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: MMikeJBenN27 on April 21, 2023, 01:43:17 PM
Wow!  Pretty nice!

Mike
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: FABphones on April 22, 2023, 12:32:35 AM
More info re Peoples Mutual Telephone here:
https://peoplestelecom.net/history/

'... Peoples Mutual Telephone continued to expand into the rural areas, the process to incorporate was started January 3, 1914'.

'... An upgrade to digital switching was installed in 1985 and computers became part of the switch and daily routines in 1989'.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: tubaman on April 22, 2023, 07:09:46 AM
I have these. Not sure if the Boat in a Bottle counts though?  :D
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: kleenax on April 22, 2023, 06:04:21 PM
I'm to poor (and cheap) to buy Clear phones, so as most of you know, I make my own!

This project of the WE 202 (D1 mount) with clear #4 dial and matching 684 subset with the extra-special Gongs is my all-time Favorite!
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: AL_as_needed on April 26, 2023, 09:05:06 PM
Thats beautiful kleenax, the brass gongs and other details really set it off visually.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: ChrisW6ATV on August 14, 2023, 04:18:04 PM
Quote from: allnumbedup on April 21, 2023, 12:23:53 PMThis is the third clear 2500 I have come across. I am sharing a picture of this one because I think the foil label backs up the idea stated earlier in this thread that these newer ITT/Cortelco phones were used as commemorative gifts/ presentation pieces. (I plan to clean it up without ruining the label.)
I just found this discussion and post. I do not know if the thought is that clear ITT/Cortelco 2500s were -only- for special presentations, but I can tell you all that I saw them for sale over the counter at, I am pretty sure, a Graybar Electric office/store likely in late 1989 or maybe in 1990. I bought three of them, one each for myself and my two brothers.

Mine is dated 11-89, and it is still connected and used in my bedroom as it has been since I bought it. One brother eventually gave his back to me (he did not have Touch-Tone service), so I have a spare one too, still in its original box.
Title: Re: Clear Telephones (by Jim S. and others)
Post by: MMikeJBenN27 on August 16, 2023, 01:34:25 PM
Wow!  These are amazing!  Wish I knew how to do that!  But I also wish I could do body work, the right way, on cars as well.

Mike