question about first year of the 554

[southernphoneman]

I know that the 1949 500 is rare, but is the first year of the 554, which is 1955, rare also? thank you. Gregg

[WesternElectricBen]

I believe your right, the earliest made was in 54 though on my "Telephone Story" poster it says 1956...

Ben  

[paul-f]

"Events in Telecommunications History (by AT&T) lists the press release date for the 554 as November 5, 1954. 

[jsowers]

The earliest I've seen is 1955, in black. Later in 1955 came ivory and the rest of the colors in 1956. And to answer the original question, yes they are rare in original condition (not refurbished). But valuable? Not particularly. It's whatever someone wants to pay. Black wall phones aren't everyone's cup of tea. What I would call rare and valuable are the darker colors from 1956 like dark gray, dark blue, brown and dark beige.

[AE_Collector]

I would assume that a 1954/1955 554 would be as rare as a 1949/1950 500. However, presumably things had settled down as far as the components in the 500's by the time the 554 was introduced so maybe there aren't as many differences in the initial 554 as compared to the later 554's? Not as many changes as the early 500's went through at least? Just thinking out loud....but probably not making any sense....as usual....

Terry

[southernphoneman]

Jonathan and Terry, you guys just made my day, that is the answer that I was hoping for, thank you,Gregg.

[WesternElectricBen]

Did you find a 1955 554?

Ben

[southernphoneman]

Did you find a 1955 554?

Ben

No just a curiousity question :)Gregg