Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Auction Talk => Topic started by: beingwyrd on March 22, 2012, 06:52:13 PM

Title: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: beingwyrd on March 22, 2012, 06:52:13 PM
So I found this phone at a thrift store and would like to sell it. The problem is, I can't find another one like it online to try to set a price for it. It is a Western Electric Bell Systems (both handset and cradle say that) The handset also says G1 and made in the USA (i think, it is a little smudgy). Although the bottom has some markings that looks like the cord melted a little or something otherwise it is in great condition, no cracks in the plastic but has tiny scratches in some places. Anyway, the phone works, although the light isn't super bright. Any ideas how I would go about pricing such a thing? Or even what it was likely used for? I've written an entire bank robbery alert system idea in my head but the truth might be cooler :D

Oh, and because it seemed to matter in a couple of other posts I read, the cord does not come out of the phone or the handset.

Thanks guys!  
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: JorgeAmely on March 22, 2012, 06:56:15 PM
Those markings are from the phone sitting on the handset cord for many years. The GA-51859 markings seems to indicate that it was a phone issued to the government to fulfill some contract, but I am not sure.

The manufacture date seems like like 9-54. It could have been used in a hotel lobby or a similar place where customers took calls, but couldn't place them. The green lens and bulb was probably adapted: usually there is a phone number card plus other hardware in that location.

The blank numbers bezel is sort of rare. Start the bidding at $20-40 and see where it goes. +1 if all parts are from 1954.

My 2 cents.
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: paul-f on March 22, 2012, 08:25:53 PM
I'm sure, Jorge.

http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm#GA51859

The set is basically a standard 500C -- of interest to collectors of 500-series variations for the different marking.

Is the green thing in the center a flat green card or something else?  The phone would have originally had a standard number card in the center.
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: jsowers on March 22, 2012, 08:53:11 PM
Maybe it was the Green Hornet's phone?  :)  Does it have a buzzer instead of a bell? Nah, I see the bell adjuster.

Paul, that green thing in the middle is a convex beehive-type lamp that probably lights when the phone rings. Some pictures of the inside to show how the lamp was fitted and the wiring would be good. It could be original. Who knows what the military might do with something like that?
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: dpaynter1066 on March 22, 2012, 10:41:23 PM
Dag!   I was gonna say Green Hornet,  LOL
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: Snake on March 22, 2012, 10:48:53 PM
That's a very cool 500. If you didn't want to put it on ebay, I would be interested in buying it.
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: beingwyrd on March 22, 2012, 11:39:31 PM
Well, I'm not picky Reptile_Master, make me an offer :D

I also have to say that for some reason I find the heft of the phone to be comforting. and hanging up on someone was so much more offensive when you know they heard that THUNK before the line went dead...

Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: Snake on March 22, 2012, 11:44:59 PM
Quote from: beingwyrd on March 22, 2012, 11:39:31 PM
Well, I'm not picky Reptile_Master, make me an offer :D

I also have to say that for some reason I find the heft of the phone to be comforting. and hanging up on someone was so much more offensive when you know they heard that THUNK before the line went dead...



There's nothing more pleasurable then slamming down a model 500 handset when you get upset. :D
Also I'm sending a PM about the phone.
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: Adam on March 23, 2012, 12:31:24 AM
Do I have to report you guys to the ASPCA?

(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Analog telephones)
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: Snake on March 23, 2012, 12:43:38 AM
Quote from: Adam on March 23, 2012, 12:31:24 AM
Do I have to report you guys to the ASPC5?

(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 500s)

:D Not that I would know how it feels, I've just heard stories... I would never get upset enough to do something as terrible as that.

Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: Adam on March 23, 2012, 12:48:33 AM
You were composing a reply while I edited and changed the punchline of my joke.

:)
Title: Re: The batphone...sort of.
Post by: Snake on March 23, 2012, 12:54:58 AM
Quote from: Adam on March 23, 2012, 12:48:33 AM
You were composing a reply while I edited and changed the punchline of my joke.

:)

I noticed that...  ;D I could change it but I think I'm going to leave it...