Auction 56 - American Bell Co. Wall Phone

[bingster]

Our next auction contest centers around a rare old beauty.  It's an American Bell Telephone Company wall phone.  I don't know anything about this particular set, but I think we can all spot a prize telephone when we see one.  This one has a few problems--missing parts, bad refinish, but it's also got a lot going for it.  And a Mr. Helpful (who actually gave his name!) says it's from 1877.  What do we think this one will bring at auction's end?  Get your guesses in before the auction's final day, and you could be the next winner!

> American Bell Telephone Co. Wall Phone <

S C O R E B O A R D

$115.00 - mienaichizu
$145.00 - Kidphone
$275.00 - Brinybay
$289.89 - Dan
$290.79 - Bill Cahill
$377.99 - Dennis Markham (Winner!)
Sold for $393.99
$400.00 - Kennyc1955
$401.00 - HarrySmith
$445.00 - KeithB
$513.00 - Jim S.
$750.00 - bingster
$788.00 - Craig T
$825.00 - Russkirk
$1200.00 - cchaven
$2000.00 - Dan/Panther
$10,000.00 - McHeath

[Greg G.]

Our next auction contest centers around a rare old beauty.  It's an American Bell Telephone Company wall phone.  ... Mr. Helpful (who actually gave his name!) says it's from 1877. 

I found Gerry elsewhere on ebay, he always gives his name, so I don't think it's the same guy.  He's not on the TCI roster list either.  http://tinyurl.com/29gqhud

Put me down for $75.

[bingster]

The bid at the time of the post was $82.  Have another guess in mind?

[mienaichizu]

115 i guess?

[HarrySmith]

I really don't know about this phone but I will guess $401.00

[Dennis Markham]

$377.99

[KeithB]

$445

I really like beautiful old wood.

[Doug Rose]

Our next auction contest centers around a rare old beauty.  It's an American Bell Telephone Company wall phone.  I don't know anything about this particular set, but I think we can all spot a prize telephone when we see one.  This one has a few problems--missing parts, bad refinish, but it's also got a lot going for it.  And a Mr. Helpful (who actually gave his name!) says it's from 1877.  What do we think this one will bring at auction's end?  Get your guesses in before the auction's final day, and you could be the next winner!

> American Bell Telephone Co. Wall Phone <

S C O R E B O A R D

With no mouthpiece on this phone, I can't see this being 1877 as it had to have a handset (not a receiver) with a receiver and transmitter in one.  But who am I I to question Mr. Helpful. My guess would be the early 20's. Really nice phone, but I am curious what kind of receiver it had. With the steer horn hookswitch, maybe an E1? Put me in for $145....Doug

[Wallphone]

Look in Dooner's yellow book and you will see many early phones where the transmitter is in a separate box (like a Blake). This one probably used something like a long pole receiver. This box is just one part of the phone.

[Doug Rose]

Doug....good observation.  I never even considered this as a second box. Maybe Mr Helpful is right after all...other Doug

[Jim Stettler]

I think it is only 1/3 of the phone set-up.  Probably had a long pole, Blake type transmitter and a battery tray or box.
Put me down for $513.00 A higher closing price wouldn't surprise me.
Jim

[Wallphone]

Thanks Doug, the Blake's have been going for around $3000 lately, and if this date is correct then this was made only one year after the telephone was invented and should blow that number out of the water.
The last time I saw something this old it was a "Fixer upper" phone that went for $21,100.00.
I'll bid a dollar more than the highest bid. (I don't think I can do that)

[Kenny C]

400.00???

[Greg G.]

The bid at the time of the post was $82.  Have another guess in mind?

$275

[bingster]

I'll bid a dollar more than the highest bid. (I don't think I can do that)

No, you have to select a number.